We have put together a Beaded lizard care sheet based upon our experiences with this amazing species. There are only two species of lizards in the whole world that can be classified as truly venomous – the Mexican Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum) and its close relative the Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum). This blog entry will focus on the Beaded Lizard and how to safely keep this lizard in captivity.

First of all, the Beaded Lizard is not a pet to be handled like most lizards. Although their venom causes paralysis, difficulty in breathing, and seizures, a beaded lizard bite is rarely fatal in humans. However, because many people don’t know if they could have an allergic reaction in addition to the effects of the venom, Backwater Reptiles does not recommend taking these lizards out of their enclosure unless absolutely necessary (i.e. to clean the cage).

It’s also useful to understand that the Beaded Lizard has a “bulldog” mentality when it comes to jaw strength and power. Although they might seem docile at first, if one of these guys bites you, it will hold on with tenacity and give the venom time to get into the wound it creates with its sharp teeth. Their strikes are very, very quick.

Our baby Beaded Lizards eat voraciously and can consume as many as four fuzzies or pinkies in a single sitting. It’s said that they can consume close to one-third their body weight in one meal.

Luckily, like most snakes, beaded lizards will do fine eating every few days and do not need to be fed four pinkies/fuzzies on  daily basis. Although they’re used to desert climates, these lizards do still need a supply of fresh water available to them at all times.

Beaded Lizards don’t need a very large enclosure to do well. Just be sure they have a proper basking area as well as a place to hide as they are usually fairly secretive animals.

Again, Backwater Reptiles does not recommend handling your beaded lizard, but when you must remove the lizard from its cage to clean it, we recommend wearing very thick leather gloves that reach up to the elbow. Breeders have also been known to offer the lizard a pinkie or fuzzy mouse on a pair of tongs. The lizard will bite the food and hold on tight and then the lizard can be carefully transported to a separate holding container while it is hanging onto the tongs/food without actually having to touch the lizard.

While keeping a Beaded Lizard can certainly be a very rewarding experience, these lizards are most definitely best for experienced herpers, and cannot be shipped through standard channels (airport-to-airport only).

Backwater Reptiles is thinking about offering these beautiful lizards for sale. How many of you would be interested in owning one? Let us know in the comments and maybe we’ll start keeping some in stock! :)