Mexican beaded lizard

Mexican beaded lizard[1]
At Zürich Zoologischer Garten
CITES Appendix II (CITES)[3]
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Domain: Eukaryota
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Helodermatidae
Genus: Heloderma
Species:
H. horridum
Binomial name
Heloderma horridum
(Wiegmann, 1829)
Synonyms[4]
  • Heloderma hernandesii Wiegmann, 1834
  • Trachyderma horridum Wiegmann, 1829

The Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) is a species of lizard in the family Helodermatidae, one of the two species of venomous beaded lizards found principally in Mexico and southern Guatemala. It and the other members of the same genus, including the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), are the only lizards known to have evolved an overt venom delivery system. The Mexican beaded lizard is larger than the Gila monster, with duller coloration, black with yellowish bands. As it is a specialized predator that feeds primarily upon eggs, the primary use of its venom is still a source of debate among scientists. This venom has been found to contain several enzymes useful for manufacturing drugs in the treatment of diabetes, and research on the pharmacological use of its venom is ongoing.

Threatened throughout its range by overcollection and habitat loss, it is a CITES protected species. The Guatemalan beaded lizard (H. charlesbogerti) is one of the rarest lizards in the world, with a wild population of fewer than 200.

  1. ^ "Heloderma horridum". Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Retrieved 20 September 2008.
  2. ^ Ariano-Sánchez, D.; Muñoz-Alons, A.; Marquez, L.C.; Acevedo, M. (2014). "Heloderma horridum". IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. 2014: e.T9864A3152367. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2014-1.RLTS.T9864A3152367.en. Retrieved 12 November 2021.
  3. ^ "Appendices | CITES". cites.org. Retrieved 2022-01-14.
  4. ^ Heloderma horridum . Retrieved through: Interim Register of Marine and Nonmarine Genera on 17 June 2022.