The genus includes many species of Neotropical ground lizards (family Tropiduridae).

Species in the genus Tropidurus are found on the South American mainland, especially in the Amazon Rainforest, but also in more arid regions.

In their native range, they are simply called lagartixa, as are most similar animals.

In this article, these two genera are kept separate, while Platynotus, Strobilurus, and Tapinurus are included in Tropidurus.

The male is usually much larger than the female, and his body is more brightly coloured and distinctly patterned.