The common name of this genus is derived from the lizards’ ability to run at impressive speeds; some species can run almost 28 km (17 miles) per hour over short distances.​ They generally prefer open habitats where direct exposure to the sun is available. Racerunners are highly active lizards that search widely for prey, using their tongues to sample chemicals in the environment and a highly sensitive organ to discriminate prey based on chemical cues. Their diet consists mainly of spiders and insects.