Reptiles & amphibians · La Saladita, Guerrero

Beaded Lizard

Heloderma horridum

Spanish: Lagarto de chaquira

Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum)
Photographed by alexmor on iNaturalist · CC-BY-SA

The Mexican beaded lizard or beaded lizard is a species of venomous 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, 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. Most often recorded in Jun, Oct.

TaxonomySquamata › Helodermatidae
Local records2 research-grade observations within about 50 km of La Saladita (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones)
Global records1,009 on iNaturalist
Recorded here2018 – 2022
Months recorded near La Saladita
JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Recent local sightings

Interactive card with more photos, sounds and similar species Reptiles & amphibians guide iNaturalist Wikipedia

Cite as: “Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum) at La Saladita”, La Saladita Field Guide, lasaladita.com/species/heloderma-horridum/, updated 2026-09-26. Observation counts and months come from iNaturalist research-grade records within about 50 km of 17.8375°N, 101.7606°W (the survey box also takes in Zihuatanejo, Ixtapa and Troncones); summary text from Wikipedia where present.