Heloderma horridum

(Wiegmann, 1829)

Vernacular names

English : Mexican beaded lizard
French : Héloderme du Mexique

Classification

Class : Reptilia
Order : Squamata
Family : Helodermatidae
Notes : No subspecies known.

Identification

The species can grow to 90 cm in length and weight up to 4 kg, males being larger than females. Very large black head with small eyes and large mouth. Stout body, dark brown to black with irregular yellow spots and blotches down to tail.

Range and habitat

This subspecies is endemic to north and central Mexico and occurs from Sinaloa to Oaxaca. Lives in dry tropical deciduous forests, thorn forests and scrubland.

Conservation

IUCN RED LIST : LEAST CONCERN
CITES : Appendix II
Status : The species remains locally common within its range but suffers from relentless persecution and habitat loss.
Ex-Situ Programs : EEP in Europe

Observation