Name

Mexican Beaded Lizard

Scientific Name

Heloderma horridum

Characteristics

The Beaded lizard is dark brown or black in colour and has bright yellow spots. They are so-called due to the bumpy texture of their skin. Each of the bumps (or beads) on their skin contain a tiny piece of bone, meaning that these lizards are incredibly hardy.

Beaded lizards are one of only 2 venomous lizards in the world. They deliver their venom to their prey through their sharp, grooved teeth. This venom will kill small animals and can be harmful, though not deadly, to humans.

In the wild, Beaded lizards have a solitary nature and spend much of their time hidden underground in burrows.

Diet

In the wild, Beaded lizards mostly eat mice and reptile eggs.

Size Fact

Male Beaded lizards can grow up to 90cm in length.

Food Fact

Beaded lizards can metabolise the fat in their tails, if food is in short supply.

Fun Fact

Its Latin name ‘Heloderma horridum’ can be directly translated as ‘horrible studded skin’!

IUCN Red list

Least concern

Where do I live?

Beaded lizards are native to Mexico.