Mexican Beaded Lizard
(Heloderma horridum)
Family: Gila Monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard (Helodermatidae)
Order: Squamates or Scaly Reptiles (Squamata)		 Click to see large distribution map

Other names:  Beaded Lizard, Escorpion.
Size:  Usually no longer than 70 cm, but occasionally up to almost 1 m.
Distribution:  Guatemala and western Mexico.
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References:

Campbell, J.A.; Lamar, W.W. 2004. The venomous reptiles of the western hemisphere. Vol. I-II. Comstock, Ithaka. 870 pp.

Eidenmuller, B. & Philippen, H.D. 2008. Varanoid lizards. (Terralog vol. 6). Edition Chimaira, Frankfurt am Main / Rodgau. 148 pp.






Text & layout:
Rune Midtgaard
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The Beaded Lizard and the Gila Monster are the only species in their family, and they are the only lizards which posess venom glands. The bites of certain other lizards, for instance that of the Komodo Monitor, may also cause toxic reactions, though, but in these cases it is due to bacteria from the mouth of the animal.
© Rune Midtgaard.