Bearded Lizard

Mexican Beaded Lizard

Scientific name: Heloderma horridum

 

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 contains 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.

Least Concern (Inc. Bar)
  1. We live...

    In the Reptile House, next to the meerkat enclosure.

  1. Size Fact

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

  2. Food Fact

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

  3. Fun Fact

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

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