Mexican beaded lizard
Heloderma horridum
Description: Less colorful than its cousin, the gila monster. It has black or pale yellow bands or is entirely black.
Characteristics: Very strong legs let this lizard crawl over rocks and dig burrows. It is short-tempered. It will turn and open its mouth in a threatening manner when molested. Its venom is hemotoxic and potentially dangerous to man.
Habitat: Found in arid or desert areas, often in rocky hillsides, coming out during evening and early morning hours.
Length: Average 60 centimeters (24 inches), maximum 90 centimeters (35 inches).
Distribution: Mexico through Central America.