Mexican lizard

Origin

The Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) is a species of venomous lizard found mainly in Mexico and southern Guatemala. Until recently it was thought to be the only venomous lizard in the world.
The venom of this lizard contains some substances, it is useful in fighting diabetes and producing drugs.
It is a threatened species through gradual loss of habitat.
The beaded lizard has only one species in close life (Heloderma suspectum) also capable of producing Venom. It also bears similarities to monitor lizards.
The species was first described in 1829 by Arend Wiegmann. He initially named it Trachyderma horridum, and six months later renamed it as we know it today: Heloderma horridum.

Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum horridum)

Black beaded lizard (H. H. alvarezi)
Rio Fuerte beaded lizard (H. h. xasperatum)
Motagua Valley beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum charlesbogerti)

Feeding Mexican beaded lizard

The main food of the lizard consists of eggs of birds and reptiles.
It is a semiarboricola species, it has been seen climbing trees for prey.
Occasionally they eat small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards and insects.
It has been found that in captivity they refuse other types of food besides eggs.

Features Mexican beaded lizard

Adult specimens have lengths of 60-90cm, they are much larger than the lizard(monster) Gila. Males are larger than females. Although both sexes have large heads males tend to have them somewhat larger than females.
The short tail has the role of storing fat for the animal to survive the months of poor food. Unlike many other lizards, if the animal is left without its tail, it will no longer grow.
The venomous glands of the Mexican beaded lizard are actually modified salivary glands.
When this fly catches its prey and practically chews that place for saliva to come into contact with the victim's blood and act as quickly as possible. The venom of this lizard is quite weak and human deaths caused by this lizard are rare.
The reason why those bitten by the lizard die is possibly the inability to breathe, sweating, molesele, etc. the Venom not being strong torments the man for 24 hours.enough to find an antidote. The lizard is immune to its own venom.

Breeding Mexican beaded lizard

Sexual maturity is extinguished at 6-8 years.
Mating takes place in September – October. The males hold a battle ritual for several hours. The winner mates with the female.
After mating, the female lays between 2 and 30 eggs in October – December.
Young people are thought to spend much of their early lives underground.
Life expectancy for this lizard is 15-30 years.