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[[Image:Mexican_beaded.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Mexican beaded lizard''' (Wikimedia Commons)]]

[[Image:Mexican_beaded.jpg|300px|thumb|right|'''Mexican beaded lizard''' (Copyright © RVC)]]

Scientific name: ''Heloderma horridum''

Scientific name: ''Heloderma horridum''

==Description==

==Description==

The Mexican beaded lizard is similar in appearance to its close relative the Gila monster and is also poisonous. It has a more elongated body and longer tail than the Gila monster and lacks the enlarged cloacal scales and light colouring to the head. The beaded lizard has a black background coloration with sparse yellow markings.

The Mexican beaded lizard is similar in appearance to its close relative the [[Gila Monster|Gila monster]] and is also poisonous. It has a more elongated body and longer tail than the [[Gila Monster|Gila monster]] and lacks the enlarged cloacal scales and light colouring to the head. The beaded lizard has a black background coloration with sparse yellow markings.

==Range==

==Range==

==Diet==

==Diet==

The diet is similar to that of the Gila monsters. In the wild, they feed on a variety of small mammals and the eggs of birds and reptiles. In captivity they need a diet rich in protein and calcium. The diet should include freshly killed rodents, eggs, chopped meat and bone meal. Supplementation is recommended.

The diet is similar to that of the [[Gila Monster|Gila monsters]]. In the wild, they feed on a variety of small mammals and the eggs of birds and reptiles. In captivity they need a diet rich in protein and calcium. The diet should include freshly killed rodents, eggs, chopped meat and bone meal. Supplementation is recommended.

==Enclosure==

==Enclosure==

Care of the Mexican beaded lizard in captivity is the same as that recommended for the Gila monsters, but since it is a bigger lizard it requires more commodious quarters. Vivariums with a large floor space of at least 200 x 150 x 100 cm are necessary. Provide suitable rocks and retreats for the lizards. A thermostatically controlled ceramic heat source, or alternatively a spotlight, can provide heating with the appropriate wattage. Provide a low dish of water for soaking.

Care of the Mexican beaded lizard in captivity is the same as that recommended for the [[Gila Monster|Gila monsters]], but since it is a bigger lizard it requires more commodious quarters. Vivariums with a large floor space of at least 200 x 150 x 100 cm are necessary. Provide suitable rocks and retreats for the lizards. A thermostatically controlled ceramic heat source, or alternatively a spotlight, can provide heating with the appropriate wattage. Provide a low dish of water for soaking.

==Temperature==

==Temperature==

Daytime temperatures of 29-35ºC. Night-time temperatures should not fall below 23ºC.

Daytime temperatures of 29-35ºC. Night-time temperatures should not fall below 23ºC.