Mexican beaded lizard
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The beaded lizard or Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) is found in Mexico and the southern United States. Along with the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), it was once thought to be one of only two lizards known to be venomous until recent research showed that some Iguanas and Monitor lizards also produce venom. Their venom is similar to that of some snakes (e.g., the western diamondback rattler). There are a number of subspecies, including H. h. exasperatum, H. h. alvarezi, and H. h. horridum. Adult Mexican beaded lizards range from 13 to 18 inches (33 to 46 cm) in length.
References
- Beaman (1996). [Heloderma horridum]. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 11 May 2006. Listed as Vulnerable (VU A2cd v2.3)
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