Crocodilurus

{{speciesbox

| name = Crocodile tegu

| image = Crocodilurus amazonicus Schinz.JPG

| image_caption = Artist's historical rendition.

| image2 =

| image2_caption = Crocodilurus amazonicus.

| status = LC

| status_system = IUCN3.1

| status_ref = {{cite journal |author=Martins, M. |author-link=species:Marcio Martins |date=2010 |title=Crocodilurus amazonicus |journal=The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species |volume=2010 |page=e.T178328A7524182 |publisher=IUCN |doi=10.2305/IUCN.UK.2010-4.RLTS.T178328A7524182.en |url=http://www.iucnredlist.org/details/178328/0 |access-date=14 January 2018|doi-access=free}}

| status2 = CITES_A2

| status2_system = CITES

| status2_ref = {{cite web |title=Appendices |website=CITES (cites.org) |url=https://cites.org/eng/app/appendices.php |access-date=2022-01-14}}

| genus = Crocodilurus

| parent_authority = Spix, 1825{{harvp|Harvey|Ugueto|Gutberlet|2012|pp=133,134}}

| species = amazonicus

| authority = Spix, 1825{{harvp|de Massary|Hoogmoed|2001}}

}}

Crocodilurus is a monotypic lizard genus consisting of one species, Crocodilurus amazonicus, belonging to the family Teiidae (tegus, ameivas and whiptails). Its common name is the crocodile tegu, due to its appearance and fondness for water, and is locally known as the jacarerana. This semi-aquatic, predatory lizard has a flattened, paddle-like tail, enabling it to swim with ease. Also it has a red coloration on its tail

Figurative name

The crocodile tegu has no close relation to crocodilians. The name Crocodilurus amazonicus ("Amazonian little crocodile") is only an analogy: It is a predatory reptile well adapted to living and hunting in water.

Distribution

C. amazonicus is found in the Amazon Basin and the Guiana Shield in South America.

Diet

C. amazonicus preys upon arthropods, fish, amphibians, and reptiles.{{cite journal |author=Martins, M. |year=2006 |title=Life in the water: Ecology of the jacarerana lizard, Crocodilurus amazonicus |journal=Herpetological Journal |volume=16 |pages=171–177}}

File:Crocodilurus amazonicus 204896457 (cropped).jpg, Brazil]]