The scorpion lizard, beaded lizard, black scorpion and other common names are venomous lizards of the family Helodermatydae.

Physical Features

A four-legged reptile, it measures around 60-90 cm, making it larger than the Gila monster, which only reaches 30-41 cm.

Males are larger than females. They are characterised by a broad, flattened head, a long tail and skin that varies from brown to black with small yellow or orange spots and covered with granular scales called osteoderms.

It is a venomous animal that secretes its venom through glands in its lower jaw and mixes it with saliva so that when it bites its victim, it introduces its venom.

Habitat

They are endemic to the deserts and dry forests of Mexico, Guatemala and the southwestern United States. They live in thorn scrub, tropical forests and pine forests.

Diet

It is carnivorous with a varied diet including young mammals, eggs and birds.

Reproduction

It is an oviparous reptile that lays between 4 and 12 white, oval-shaped eggs, with the incubation period lasting between 4 and 5 months on average.

Threats

One of its main threats is habitat loss due to deforestation and illegal trafficking for the exotic pet trade.

Status and conservation

Species assessed on the IUCN Red List and listed as Near Threatened and protected by the CITES Convention and listed in Annex II of the Convention.