Beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum)

What do I eat?

Beaded lizards are carnivores; they usually feed on young birds, chicks and eggs. The beaded lizard can survive on one meal for a long time by storing fat in its tail.

Where do I live?

The beaded lizard is found along western Mexico and south-eastern Guatemala. It is most commonly found in tropical deciduous forest and is usually hidden in burrows during the day, becoming more active at night (nocturnal).

Breeding

Males will fight with one another prior to breeding; the winner of the fight will be given access to the female whilst the loser must retreat. Females will dig a hole to deposit her eggs into and after this task her role as mother is done! The young will emerge from the eggs fully developed and able to defend themselves from threats.

Predators

Main predators of the beaded lizard include coyotes and some raptorial birds.

To protect itself the beaded lizard can use its venom to subdue potential predators.

Conservation

This species is threatened by deforestation and loss of habitat, as well as being caught and sold in the pet trade and deliberately killed by humans from fear of the its venom.

The beaded lizard is protected by law and trade in this species is restricted.They are found in various protected areas across their range.