The family Teiidae, belonging to the order Squamata (the scaled reptiles), is commonly known as whiptail lizards and tegus. These lizards are primarily found in the Americas, ranging from the southern United States through Central and South America. Teiids are generally active, diurnal, and terrestrial, with slender bodies, long tails, and well-developed limbs adapted for running. Many species are insectivorous, though some, like the larger tegus, are omnivorous and may consume fruits, small vertebrates, and eggs. Known for their high metabolism and rapid movements, teiids play important ecological roles as both predators and prey within their ecosystems.