MEXICAN BEADED LIZARD Heloderma horridum Reptile Order Squamata Description Head to tail 30 in. long. The head is broad and flattened with poison glands located in the lower jaw. Body is long and heavy, but not quite as stout as that of the gila monster. Scales bead-like and form a pattern of yellow and black stripes; one subspecies is completely black. Range throughout western Mexico Status Protected under CITES II, IUCN / V in the wild. Photo by Greg Neise

Ecology Habitat Found in dry, open forest areas with abundant rocks and sparse vegetation. Burrows to avoid the mid-day heat.   Niche Carnivorous. Eats insects, spiders, other small invertebrates, lizards, snakes, rodents, birds and eggs. Primarily terrestrial. They are frequently found in abandoned mammal burrows and near sources of permanent water. Preyed upon by large mammals and birds of prey. Life History Mating occurs mostly in the spring. 3-13 long eggs laid in mid-late summer buried in sand at a depth of about 5 in. Incubation 117-130 days. Special Adaptations Paired salivary glands produce a venom injected through a groove in the teeth that paralyzes prey. Must chew their victim in order to inject poison. The tail is used to store energy for times when food is scarce. Long claws for digging. Tongue used as a sense organ.