Venombyte.com - Venomous Lizards of the United States Venomous Links VENOMOUS LIZARDS OF THE UNITED STATES Let me start by saying that I am not a herpetologist. This page is designed to list the venomous lizards of the United States, but should in no way be considered an authoritative list. This page was compiled from information in the public domain, and has not been reviewed by a herpetologist. There is only one species of venomous lizard that is native to the United States, which is the species Heloderma suspectum, commonly referred to as the Gila Monster. There are two subspecies that exist: Reticulated Gila Monster - Heloderma suspectum suspectum The Gila Monster is a protected species. It is named after the Gila Basin in Arizona. There are many myths about the Gila Monster, but there are just as many interesting and unique facts about them as well.

Myths: The Gila Monster is immortal The breath of the Gila Monster is toxic The Gila Monster can leap several feet into the air If bitten by a Gila Monster, it will not let go until the sun sets or until it hears thunder The Gila Monster has no anus, and it's digestive waste is secreted via it's mouth, which is what makes the Gila Monster venomous The Gila Monster is the only lizard with a forked tongue. Facts: The Gila Monster is the United State's only species of venomous lizard, and is one of only two species of venomous lizards in the world. The Gila Monster is the slowest lizard in the United States, although it can strike quickly. The Gila Monster is the largest lizard native to the United States. The Gila Monster does not inject venom with fangs like a snake. For more information on the Gila Monster, please visit the sites below.

Venomous lizards - Venomous, Poisonous, Dangerous, and other Wonders Venomous, Poisonous, Dangerous, and other Wonders lizards ‎ > ‎ Venomous lizards There are some 5000 different species of lizards worldwide and, until a few years ago, only two (the Gila Monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard) were thought to be venomous. Scientists also believed that those two species had evolved venom production independently from snakes. Indeed, until recently, nasty swelling and excessive bleeding resulting from another lizard's bite was thought to be due to infection from the bacteria in the reptile's mouth. But a team of searchers from the University of Melbourne, Australia have revolutionized herpetology by showing that venomous lizards are actually much more widespread than thought. These scientists, under the leadership of Bryan Fry, have demonstrated that both monitor lizards (commonly kept as pets) and iguanas also produce venom. Nine types of lizard toxins are shared with snakes, but some toxins are new and yet to be investigated for medical research.

Furthermore, it is now thought that venom production had, actually, a single early origin for lizards and snake and that the common ancestor to all venomous species lived about 200 million years ago. The evolution of venom would have, thus, coincided with the rapid spread of small mammals. To date, the toxin-producing oral glands have been identified in species of the anguimorph and iguanian lineages. It is believed that as many as 100 species of living lizards actually use venom. ANGUIMORPHS 1) Helodermatidae Until a few years ago, the only two known species of venomous lizards belonged to the family Helodermatidae and the genus Heloderma. Those two species are the Gila Monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. These lizards are carnivores. Unlike snakes, they don't inject their venom in the wound; venom merely flows into the wound. Luckily, attacks on people are uncommon for these reptiles are known to bite with tenacity. Their venom causes paralysis, difficulty in breathing and sometimes convulsions, but is normally not fatal to humans.

Gila Monsters and Beaded Lizards Both become sexually mature at around 2-3 years of age. They have been known to live for up to 30 years. They mate in April (Gila Monster) or May/June (Beaded Lizard) and eggs are deposited 2 months later. The eggs take another 5 and 1/2 to 7 months to hatch. - Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) The Gila Monster is found in southern Arizona, New Mexico and Mexico, in the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts. As a adaption to its hot environment, it lives in burrows. Gila Monsters can grow to a full length of 55 cm (22 inches). They have a stout body with a broad head and a stumpy tail and are mostly black with bright patches which vary in color from yellow to orange or salmon. Their skin is tuberculated. The Gila Monster is listed as an endangered species both in the US and in Mexico. According to Arizona state law, is it illegal to harass them, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture or collect them.

- Mexican Beaded Lizard, or Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum) Mexican Beaded Lizards occur in central and western Mexico. They live in thorn scrub land as well as in tropical and pine forests. They look quite similar to the Gila Monster, but are bigger (they can measure more than 1 meter or 40 inches, females being bigger than males with a broader head) with a brown body and bright yellow to whitish spots. Like the Gila Monsters, they are considered endangered and are protected by law throughout their natural range. 2) Monitor Lizards (Varanidae) There are about thirty species in this family of lizards (not to mention the subspecies). They all have an elongated snout, a long, smooth, retractile tongue, well-developed limbs and strong claws, a long tail and a dull grayish color. However, Monitor Lizards vary greatly in size, with some species hardly measuring 20 cm (2/3 foot) when the Komodo Dragon measures up to 3 meters (10 feet) and can weigh over 350 pounds.

The monitor lizards' geographical range is varied too, though they are restricted to the old world, and mostly found in warm areas of Australia (which hosts the greatest diversity: 17 species), Africa (3 species) and Asia. Most of the species are semi-aquatic. Those carnivorous lizards sometimes use their tongues like snakes do, to detect a prey by picking up scent particles while flicking it in and out. Though Monitor Lizards have recently been discovered to be venomous, there has never been a recorded death by one of them in the USA (where they are popular pets). There have also been very few injuries reported. Injuries can come from scratches by their well-developed claws or from bites inflicted by powerful jaws, and also, of course, from the venom sipping into the wound. Incidents are uncommon because monitor lizards tend to avoid confrontation and rather try to escape. Bites are only inflicted when they are manipulated or maintained in an inappropriate manner. Generally when a monitor is cornered, it will first thrash and strike out with its powerful tails to avoid confrontation while hissing and puffing. These tail strikes can result in superficial welts.

All species of monitor lizards are listed as Appendix II (threatened) animals by CITES and therefore require permits for import/export between countries. A number of species are even thought to be endangered. Following are a quick overview of a few species of monitor lizards. - Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis) Komodo Dragons inhabit Komodo Island and a few other tiny islands east of Java in Indonesia. These reptiles can grown to be 3 meters long (10 feet) and weigh more than 300 pounds: they are the world's largest living lizards. This powerful predator runs fast and feeds on virtually any kind of meat. It is capable of killing large animals, such as pigs, goats, deer and water buffalo, and will also eat other Komodo Dragons. These huge monitor lizards have also been reported (but rarely) killing inattentive or unlucky humans. The Komodo Dragon will feed on carrion when it is available. Until very recently, it was believed that a Komodo Dragon's bite contained bacteria from the mouth that would cause a severe infection in the victim's blood. The Komodo Dragon would have to follow the wounded animal, sometimes for days, until the infection eventually killed the prey.

However, according to a study by Bryan Fry, an Australian biologist from Melbourne University and expert on animal venom, it seems that the Komodo Dragon actually kills its victims by injecting them with venom. Fry's team found that the Komodo Dragon's venom rapidly decreases blood pressure, expedites blood loss, and sends a victim into shock (the body cannot deliver enough blood to the organs to keep functioning), rendering it too weak to fight. Some of the venom's compounds that reduce blood pressure are as toxic as those found in Australia's Inland Taipan, thought to be the most venomous land snake in the world. When snakes have a single venom duct that leads to their fangs, the Komodo's biting apparatus is much more complex. Indeed, Komodo Dragons posses six venom glands on each side of the lower jaw (which, combined, can hold about 1.2 millimeters of venom) and multiple ducts located between their teeth. The drawback is that they cannot deliver their venom as efficiently as snakes and have to rely on a bite-and-pull motion to ooze the venom into wounds during a sustained, frenzied attack. The efficiency of the attack comes from that combination of venom and teeth lacerations.

Yet, while the Komodo Dragon is very deadly to its normal prey species, the toxins it produces seem to have a relatively mild effect on humans. Komodo Dragons are an endangered species (there are barely a few thousand of them) and are protected from hunting by the government of Indonesia. However, the world's biggest lizard is still threatened by the loss of its habitat, and by the competition with humans for its natural foods of deer and pigs. - Lace Monitor (Varanus varius) Analyzes of venom components from the Lace Monitor showed potent effects on blood pressure and clotting ability, bioactivities associated with a rapid loss of consciousness and extensive bleeding in prey. - African Savannah Monitor, or Savannah Monitor, Rock Monitor, White-throated Monitor (Varanus exanthematicus) This species occurs in southern and eastern Africa in savannas and arid areas. It typically measures 70 to 110 cm (2 and 1/2 to 3 1/2 feet) sometimes a bit more. The Savannah Monitor lives in a tunnel that it digs under rock overhangs, or in a disused animal burrow, a hole in a tree or a rock crack.

It is usually solitary and feeds mainly on small animals, such as invertebrates, although it will kill any animal small enough to swallow (such as baby tortoises) and also eat carrion. When threatened, it lashes its tail and holds on like a bulldog when it bites. 8 to 37 eggs are sometimes laid in a termite mound (like for the Nile Monitor), otherwise in soft moist soil. They hatch in 4 months in captivity, but may take as long as a year in the wild, depending on the season where they are laid. With the Nile Monitor, the Savannah Monitor is the most commonly sold monitor in the pet trade. - Nile Monitor or Water Monitor (Varanus niloticus) The Nile Monitor is a widespread species found in Sub-Saharan Africa extending along the Nile valley to Egypt. With an average length of 100-140 cm (around 4 feet) and a maximum of 200 cm (6 1/2 feet), it is the largest African lizard. This rather aquatic monitor is common in major river valleys where it forages for food on the vegetation growing on the banks. It is an excellent swimmer and likes to bask on rocks and tree stumps near a river.

It eats crabs and mussels, but also frogs, fish, birds and their eggs, as well as turtle, terrapin and crocodile eggs. The Nile Monitor defends itself in the same ay as the Savannah Monitor, but will first try to escape the danger by diving under water. The Nile Monitor lays its eggs inside termite mounds, so that they are incubated at the right temperature by the termites which also become the young monitors' first meal. - Asian Water Monitor or Two-banded Monitor (Varanus salvator) This species ranges from Bengal and Sri Lanka through southeast Asia. It is a very large semi-aquatic species which can measure 4 to 9 feet (more than 2 meters). - Bengal Monitor (Varanus bengalensis) This monitor is widely distributed in southern Asia, where it can be found from Iran and Afghanistan, to Java in Indonesia. It is a relatively terrestrial species which may become dormant during periods of extended drought, in parts of it range. - Emerald tree monitor (Varanus prasinus) This monitor is found in Papua-New Guinea. It is the second largest lizard, after the Komodo Dragon and has relatively large teeth.

- Giant Monitor (Varanus giganteus) This Australian species can reach a length of 2.4 m(7.9 ft) Other monitors species include the Desert Monitor (Varanus griseus) and Varanus Lavescens, both listed as endangered under CITES Appendix I and the Endangered Species Act, the moderately large species of Dumeril's Monitor (Varanus dumerilii), Black Rough-necked Monitor (Varanus rudicollis) and Mangrove Monitor (Varanus indicus), the rare Australian monitor species of Varanus prasinus and Varanus timorensis, the Peach Throat monitor (Varanus jobiensis), the Crocodile Monitor (Varanus salvadorii)... IGUANIANS (some 1440 species) 3) Iguanas Iguanas are large lizards belonging to the family Iguanidae. They occur mainly in America and, outside the western hemisphere, only in Madagascar, Fiji, and Tonga. They are known to live in a variety of habitats ranging from trees, to the water's edge, or arid areas.

Iguanas have a similar appearance: they have long limbs with five free toes ending in sharp claws, distinct eyelids, large external eardrums and often a throat pouch. These diurnal reptiles are famous for their impressive courting and defensive displays; for instance they raise their bodies and bob their heads vigorously. Though Iguanas, unlike most lizards, are vegetarians, recent studies (notably by Bryan Fry) have established that, at least some of their species can deliver small amounts of venom when they bite, thanks to venom-secreting glands situated in their mouths. A few of the species of Iguanas are: - Iguanian Lizard (Pogona barbata) The Iguanian Lizard retains characteristics of the ancestral venom system, having venom-secreting glands on both the upper and lower jaws, whereas the advanced snakes and anguimorph lizards (including Monitor Lizards, Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard) have glands only on one of the jaws, lower or upper. - Green Iguana (Iguana iguana) This lizard is abundant throughout tropical America. It lives in trees often overhanging water.

Green Iguanas measure around 1.8 meters (6 feet) and have a row of leathery spines along the back from the neck to the long, powerful tail. Males vary in color from grayish to orange and have dark bars on the sides of their body and broad black circles ringing their tail. Females are usually greenish. The Green Iguana is killed for its flesh and its eggs are also eaten. - Rhinoceros Iguana (Cyclura cornuta) This species occurs in Haiti and Puerto Rico. It is terrestrial and derives its name from the three horns on its forehead. - Marine Iguana (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) One of the two species of Iguanas found on the Galapagos Islands. The Marine Iguana lives on beaches and comes in the sea to forage on seaweed, making it the only lizard in the world that regularly inhabits the sea. Sources: lizard :: Poisonous Lizards --� Kids Encyclopedia | Children's Homework Help | Kids Online Dictionary | Britannica Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum).

© Steve Byland/Fotolia The only two poisonous lizards in the world are the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) of the southwestern United States and the beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) of Mexico. Their venom, or poison, can kill a human; however, the lizards are much less effective at getting the poison into their victims than are the poisonous snakes. Lizard venom glands are located in the lower jaw, unlike those of snakes. Also, the fangs of lizards are not hollow hypodermic needles as in snakes. Instead, the fangs have a less effective center groove that channels the venom into the bite. Both poisonous lizards have impressive reputations, including being tenacious biters that are almost impossible to pry loose. Fortunately, Gila monsters are docile and rarely bite, and deaths from their venom are even rarer. The federal government has declared this species officially threatened, and its future survival is in far more danger from people than people are from it. "lizard." Compton's by Britannica. Britannica Online for Kids.

Encyclopædia Britannica, Inc., , from While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Close Enable free complete viewings of premium articles from Britannica Online for Kids when linked from your website or blog-post. Now readers of your website, blog-post, or any other web content can enjoy full access to this article on lizard , or any other Britannica Online for Kids premium article for free, even if they do not have a membership. Just copy the HTML code fragment provided below to create the link and then paste it within your web content. For more details about this feature, visit our Webmaster and Blogger Tools page. . Copy and paste this code into your page Lizards of the United States at Herpedia™.com being update. Please check back Lizards of the United States There are 8 families of lizards native to North America, with 155 species, including established introduced species. Known from the Triassic Period to the present, lizards today comprise the largest living group of reptiles.

They come in a bewildering array of sizes, shapes, and colors, from tiny gecko species less than 3 inches long to the giant dragon lizard of Komodo nearly 10 feet long. Typical lizards superficially resemble salamanders, but their dry skin, clawed feet, and external ear openings quickly separate them from their distant moist skinned ancestors. Legless lizards may be confused with snakes, but unlike snakes, they possess moveable eyelids. The pattern and color of lizards vary greatly, males and females of the same species often show color differences, juveniles are frequnetly distinct from adults. Subspecies, too, may differ stikingly. Lizards have varied life styles. Although generally diurnal, the majority of geckos, the night lizards, and the Gila monster are nocturnal. Only two species of venomous - the Gila Monster of the southwest and Mexico and the Beaded Lizard of Mexico. Courtship is brief, and fertilization is internal. Most lizards are egg layers, but occasionally young are born alive. Gekkonidae (Geckos) Three genera, with 5 species, are native to North America.

Another 2 genera, with 5 species, have been introduced. Geckos typically have flattened bodies and short limbs. In addition to claws, many species hhave expanded toe pads. On the bottom of each toe pad are scales covered with a myriad of microscopic hairlike bristles. Minute suction cups on the tips of the bristles permit geckos to walk up walls and across ceilings. Most species lack moveable eyelids, instead the perpetually open eyes are protected by a transparent scale, the spectacle. The American genus Coleonyx is an exception, it has eyelids. Among diurnal species the pupil of the eye is round, in nocturnal species it is vertically elliptical. Many geckos appear fragile, their thin soft skin tears easily and the tail breaks so readily it seems cast off even before it is grasped. Among some populations many individuals will be found to have the tail in some stage of regeneration. Geckos are the most vocal of lizards. Voices vary from the sound that prompted the family name - the raucous "geh-oh" of the giant Asian Tokay Geckos - to the cricketlike chirps small species give when efending a feeding site.

Most geckos lay two eggs at a time, Sphaerodactylus and Gonatodes lay only single eggs. There are 14 genera, with 44 species native to North America. Another 4 genera, with 8 species, have been introduced. Iguanids range from 4 to 72 inches in length. A typical iguanid is of moderate size, has 5 clawed toes on each of its 4 legs, and a long tail, its teeth are attached to the ledge on the inside of the jaw. Most species are either arboreal or terrestrial, they feed on insects and other invertebrates, but some, like Dipsosaurus and Sauromalus eat leaves, fruit, and blossoms. Except for a very few species that live in cool mountain habitats and give birth to living young, iguanids are egg layers. Clutches of many eggs or offspring are the rule, but Anolis lays only one eggs every couple of weeks. Iguanids are possibly the most visually oriented of all lizards. They communicate at a distance by a show of color and behavioral signals.

Mates are courted, territories defended, and interlopers driven off by elaborate and precisely timed combinations of head bobbing, body push-ups, and open mouthed displays that are unique to each species. Some further enhance the effect by curling the tail, inflating the chest and throat, or extending the throatfan, all of which expose a bright patch of color to the view of another lizard. Finally, many species exhibit intense color during the mating season. Anguidae (Anguid Lizards) There are 5 species of Gerrhonotus and 3 species of Ophisarus in North America. Anguid lizards are characterized by elongated, shiny, and stiff bodies and tails, closeable eyelids, external ear openings, and tiny (or absent) legs and toes. The stiffness is a result of an abundance of bony armor (osteoderms) in the skin. Many species are so stiff they could not expand to breathe were it not for a lengthwise flexible groove of soft granular scales along the sides. All the species in North America have this groove. Most anguids are terrestrial or burrowing.

While some species will bite, the primary defenses are fleeing, smearing an attacker with excrement, and giving up part of the tail. In some species the tail vertebrae have fracture planes along which the tail will readily break, leaving the writhing tip to be eaten by the predator while the rest of the lizard crawls to safety. In legless species, in which the tail may account for more than half the total length, the loss of a tail may give the impression that the lizard has been broken in two. Contrary to foklore, the part will not grow together again, but the body will grow a new tail in several weeks. Anguids are carnivores, they consume insects, small mammals, and other lizards. Most are egg layers, but a few mountain dwellers bear live young. Helodermatidae (Gila Monsters) There is only 1 genera, with 2 species, in North America. Gila monsters are heavy bodied, with short stout legs and a thick tail. With an abundance of food the tail becomes fat. During periods of scarcity, the tail may lose up to 20% of its bulk as the stored fat is used up.

On the back and head are non overlapping beadlike scales of shiny black, pink, or yellow. The scales contain osteoderms, a sort of body armor. Gila monsters are venomous carnivores that seems to rely more on taste and smell to locate their quarry than on sight. They have been observed tracking prey by tasting the ground with their long thick tongues. Their venom causes great pain, but rarely human death. It is the persistent grip of a Gila monster's jaw that is the single most important reason for handling these lizards carefully. Anniellidae (California Legess Lizards) There are only 1 genus, with 1 species, found only in California and adjacent Baja California, Mexico. These are long and slender lizards with moveable eyelids. Although legless, they still retain hip and shoulder bones internally. They are related to the anguid lizards, from which they differ by the absence of external ear openings, and body armor within the skin. Califronia legless lizards burrow in the loose soil and are seldom seen on the surface. They eat insects and the young are born alive.

Xantusidae (Night Lizards) There is only 1 genera with 3 species found in North America. The night lizards are related to the geckos and like them have soft skin, a somewhat flattened body, and no moveable eyelids. But unike the geckos, the night lizards have small round scales on the back, large rectangular scales on the belly, and large shields on the head. The toes end in a sharp claw. As the name implies, night lizards are mostly active at night, hiding in rocky crevices or under brush and leafy debris during the day. The light sensitive eyes have vertically elliptical pupils. Developing embryos are nourishd by a primitive placenta while in the mothers's oviduct. Young are born tail first and alive. Teiidae (Whiptail and Racerunner Lizards) There are 16 species of Cnemidophorus that are native to North America, and 1 species of Ameiva that has been introduced. Teiids are long slender lizards with long whiplike tails and well developed legs. Movements are characteristically rapid and jerky.

They range from 4 to 48 inches in length. Typically they have small round, non overlapping scales on the back and large rectangular scales on the underside. There are no bony plates (oteoderms) in the skin. The large regular head shields are fused to the skull. Whiptails are diurnal, terrestrial carnivores. Small species feed on insects and other invertebrates, while large species consume small mammals, birds and bird eggs, and other reptiles. Prey is located both by sight and by smell or taste, by means of a long deeply forked tongue. All teiids are egg layers. In most species, females produce fertile eggs only after breeding with males of the same species. However, there are true unisexual species among Cnemidophorus. All individuals are females, so there is no mating. A mature female lays fertile, but unfertilized, eggs that hatch into more females. Lacertidae (Typical Old World Lizards) Only 1 species of Lacerta and 2 species of Podacris have been introduced to North America. Lacertids are characterized by slender round bodies, well developed legs, and long tails.

The back is covered with hexagonalsclaes, the underside scales are large and rectangular. The large head shields usually contain bony plates (osteoderms) and are not fused to the skull. Most species have moveable eyelids. Terrestrial species are variouly colored, while arboreal species are green. Males have slightly larger heads and may be differently colored from females. Lacertids are daytime hunters of insects, spiders, scorpions, and small vertebrates. All North American lacertids are egg layers. Scincidae (Skinks) There are 15 species of 3 genera that inhabit North America. A skink has a long cylindrical body and tail covered with smooth sleek scales containing bony plates (osteoderms). Terrestrial skinks have small legs, those adapted for burrowing have tiny legs or none. A clear window in the lower eyelid of the burrowing forms enables the animal to see when the eyelid is closed to keep out dirt. Fracture planes in the tails of many species allow the tail to break off easily when grasped by a predator. In such cases usually the tail is vividly colored to draw the attack of the predator away from the vulnerable body.

Skinks are diurnal. Most are insect eaters, but a few giant species are herbivorous. All species have thick oval tongues with a shallow notch at the tip. Most will nip the hand that catches them, and large species can inflict a painful bite. All North American species are egg laters. Females may tend the eggs during incubation. Amphisbaenid (Amphisbaenids) Only 1 species and it is found only in Florida. Amphisbaenids resemble earthworms in appearance. Body scales are fused into rings which encircle the body. Specialized for burrowing, family members lack external ear openings, have eyes buried under skin, and with the exception of one genus, Bipes, which has short front legs, they are limbless. Amphisbaenids live underground much of their lives feeding on insects and worms. The breeding biology is poorly known. Most seem to be egg layers. Identifying California Lizards Look Here First: Commonly Encountered California Lizards (based on email sent to me asking me to help identify them.) There is a very good chance you'll find your lizard here, and you can skip the rest of this section.

In order to help you to identify a California native lizard, the different species have been separated into some basic groups. Since many lizards look similar, they are grouped by type, rather than appearance. Look at the thumbnails (click on them to see a larger version) and read the brief descriptions until you find something similar to the lizard you are trying to identify, then click on the link. Keep in mind that many species look alike, and that there are other factors that can help you identify a lizard besides appearance, such as geographical location, behavior, and habitat. Juveniles often do not look exactly like adults. If you are trying to identify a juvenile, look at the body shape, and try to find a picture of an adult with a similar appearance, not necessarily the same colors or patterns. Also keep in mind that any kind of lizard can vary in appearance and can look much different in motion than it does in a still photo. Sunlight and shade can also change the apparent color of a lizard, and lizards will change in color depending on their temperature. Be aware that a lizard you find may not be native, but an introduced animal, such as an escaped pet, especially if it is found in or near an inhabited area.

Currently there are few reproducing populations of introduced lizards in California, but that can change, and some of these populations, such as the Mediterranean gecko, are spreading. You might also want to check the California Lizards Range Maps page to find what lizards occur in the area where your lizard was observed. There is also a California Lizards Photo Index page with one picture of all forms of lizard found in the state that might also be helpful. The only dangerously venomous native lizard found in California is the Gila Monster, which is extremeley rare and has only been found in a few locations in the eastern Mojave Desert. If you find one - send me pictures! If you cannot find a lizard here, you can also look at our page of Escaped Pets which lists some common pet herps which have been reported to me. Lizards & Their Kin BACKYARD NATURE HOME | PLANTS | ANIMALS | FUNGI | ECOLOGY | GEOLOGY | GARDENING | TOOLS Iguanid Lizards (Iguana Family, the Iguanidae): These are the "typical lizards," such as the Black Iguana, Ctenosaura similis, shown above.

Iguanid lizards are usually the most commonly encountered ones. They can be either arboreal or terrestrial. Typically but not always they feed on insects and other invertebrates. Most are egg-layers, and most are very visually oriented, communicating with one another with their colors and behavioral signals. Mates are courted, territories are defended, and during confrontations they often bob their heads, do body push-ups, and open their mouths at one another. Many species are intensely colored during mating season. Included in this large family are fence lizards, iguanas, horned lizards, chuckwallas and anoles. Anoles (Iguana Family, the Iguanidae, genus Anolis): common in the US Southeast, lots of fun to watch as they slowly stalk their prey of flies, beetles, moths, spiders and other such critters. Often Green Anoles (uh-NO-lehs) are known as chameleons because in just a few seconds they can change color between green and brown. Anoles lay only one egg every couple of weeks. They possess toe pads and brightly colored "throatfans" that fan out below their heads when they are displaying.

Horned Lizards (Iguana Family, the Iguanidae, genus Phrynosoma): "horny-toads"; covered with short, blunt spines, found in the western U.S. and southward. At the right is a Coast Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma coronatum, distributed through most of western California, into Baja California, Mexico. Chuckwalla (Iguana Family, the Iguanidae -- a single species, Sauromalus abesus): large, potbellied, with folds of skin around neck and shoulders; found in southeastern California, southern Nevada, Utah, western Arizona and adjacent Mexico. Active during the day (diurnal), it emerges in the morning and basks in sunlight until its body temperature reaches about 100º F (38º C), and then it begins searching for food. It is a vegetarian, eating mainly leaves, buds, flowers and fruit.

Alligator Lizards (Anguid Lizard Family, the Anguidae): Not alligators (Alligators are in their own order, like the Turtle Order and the Lizard Order), these lizards at first glance are similar to fence lizards, who are members of the Iguana Family. However, this group is anatomically different from other lizards, especially with regard to the bonelike scales (osteoderms) covering its body. Also, its legs are relatively small, even absent in some species. This lizard's heavy body armor makes its body so stiff that it would be hard for the animals to breathe were it not for a flexible band of soft, granular scales along the side, shown in the inset at the upper left. In North America alligator lizards are found only in the West Geckos (Gecko Family, the Gekkonidae): chubby-looking, often flat-bodied lizards, usually with toe pads enabling them to climb walls.

Most geckos have thin, soft skin that tears easily, and their tails break of very easily; geckos are the most vocal of lizards; most species lay two eggs at a time; found in the Deep South and the Desert Southwest Whiptails (Whiptail & Racerunner Family, the Teiidae): long, very slender and fast lizards, often with narrow stripes running from head to tail; found in the southwestern U.S. Whiptails and racerunners are found in the same family and for the most part there's not much difference between them, except for where they are found. The Whiptail & Racerunner Family, the Teiidae, is confined to the new World, and, while we have a nice selection in the US, the family is most abundant in South America. Racerunners (Whiptail & Racerunner Family, the Teiidae): like the whiptails, but found in the southeastern and central U.S; both whiptails and racerunners are egg-layers.In a few species in this family all individuals are females -- there are no males. Females lay unfertilized eggs that hatch into more females.

The individual in the picture is the Six-lined Racerunner, the only native member in the family found in Eastern North America. Several other racerunner species can be encountered in the West. Skinks (Skink Family, the Scincidae): thick-bodied, typically with stripes running from head to tail, but the stripes aren't as narrow as among the whiptails and racerunners; some species have amber-colored lower jaws; found on every continent but Antarctica. Shown here is the Ground Skink, Scincella lateralsis, found from New Jersey south through Florida, west to central Texas, north to Nebraska and Missouri. It's often seen in my garden in southern Mississippi, for it's diurnal (out during the day), and it likes to hang around my mulch. Amazingly, this species has been seen to bite off its own tail and eat it! Gila Monster (Gila Monster Family, the Helodermatidae): the only poisonous lizard, very thick and blunt-tailed, with bands running across the body, not lengthwise; in the Desert Southwest. Mostly nocturnal.

The Gila Monster's venom is not injected into a victim's body, as happens with venomous snakes, but rather flows into the open wound as the lizard chews on its victim.

The Gila Monster's eye-catching black and reddish/orange/yellow striped pattern constitutes a classic BEWARE message that higher animals (including us humans) seem to intuitively interpret as "keep away." LIZARDY <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> <!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" endspan --><!--webbot bot="HTMLMarkup" startspan --> Cite this page as: Venomous Lizards, Gila

 Monster, Mexican Beaded Lizard, Helodermatidae Mexican Beaded Lizard Enter your Freshwater Aquarium Enter parameters for your Freshwater Aquarium to get compatibility information while browsing.

Enter your Saltwater Aquarium Enter parameters for your Saltwater Aquarium to get compatibility information while browsing. Fish Finder Search our database for compatible pets! Enter characteristics of what you are looking for and find them instantly. Dr. Jungle's Pets and Animal Speak - Newsletter Featured Pet of the week and more... Pet Talk People talking about their pets. Latest Fact Sheets New Arrivals and updates to Animal-World care sheets. Animal Stories - See More Beaded lizards are very interesting animals. I have 3 Heloderma horridum horridum in my breeding projects. Many in private collections are very tame gentle animals.... (more) Jeff F. Gila Monster, Mexican Beaded Lizard Gila MonsterPhoto © Animal-World: Courtesy David Brough The Gila Monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard are two venomous lizards, but there are more! The most well known venomous lizards are the Gila Monster and the Mexican Beaded Lizard. They are found in North America, specifically in south-western United States and Mexico. These lizards are classified in the Family Helodermatidae which has one genus containing only these two species. These two poisonous lizards have been steeped in mythology, probably because of their secretive lifestyles.

The myths swirling about these mysterious creatures said the Gila Monsters and Beaded lizards were immortal. They were described with forked tongues, and all that they ate was spewed back out through their mouths as venomous waste. They could leap high in the air, and if they bit someone, they would not let go until they heard the sound of thunder, or the sun finally set. Yet the facts about these two venomous reptiles are just as curious and intriguing as those inspired myths. Both species of Heloderma have a stout body with a broad head, well developed limbs, and a short fat tail. They are sluggish in habit, but are quick to strike their prey. These carnivorous (meat eaters) have a strong, tenacious bite. Once they've grabbed their prey, they have a 'bulldog' attitude and will not readily let go. They use poison, from toxin secreting glands, to help subdue their capture. CAUTION: VENOMOUS LIZARDS They may only be kept with a license. Gila Monsters and the Beaded lizards have long been thought of as being the only venomous lizards.

But more recently it has been discovered that a couple other groups of lizards, including some that are commonly kept as pets, contain members that are also venomous. Authorities also do not rule out the possiblity that other poisonous lizards may be found. Two additional groups are now known to have venomous lizards. One group contains the monitor lizards of the Family Varanidae , like the Komodo dragon Varanus komodoensis. The other contains lizards in the Suborder Iguania from the Family Agamidae , like the Bearded Dragon , and from the Family Iguanidae , like the Green Iguana . However the toxin secreting glands of these lizards are smaller than those of snakes. The venom they produce may aid to subduing small prey, but on a human it would have no effect, or very little. It is said that a bitten hand might throb at most.

To information about different types of pet lizards, see: 10 Terrifying And Dangerous Turtles and Lizards - Listverse 10 Terrifying And Dangerous Turtles and Lizards Ron Harlan May 22, 2013 Reptile attack: Nothing strikes fear into the human mind faster than the clash between prehistoric crocodiles or venomous snakes and modern man. However, we are not talking about these well-known dangers. In this shocking list, we look at the horrific Monster Lizards and Terror Turtles on Earth. Some are capable of killing, others, dismembering, or simply chewing your hand apart. The sight of a hard shell or thin tail signals danger beyond your expectations… 10 Green Iguana The Iguana has become a fairly popular pet in recent years, and advocates would say having this giant, prehistoric looking reptile around is like an alternative to a dog. Although herbivorous, the Iguana can be unpredictable, and possesses razor sharp teeth. On several occasions, savage injuries have resulted when “tame” but powerful Iguana have become agitated and latched on their owners face or slashed hands with teeth and claws.

Iguana may weigh up to 18 pounds and reach over 6 feet in length, making an attack by this giant lizard nothing to joke about. Emergency room visits could very well follow your visit to Jurassic park. 9 Leatherback Sea Turtle The Leatherback Sea Turtle is the largest of all turtles, occasionally reaching over 8 feet in length. These 2,000 pound omnivores are possibly the widest ranging vertebrate animal on Earth, but are becoming rare and endangered due to development, pollution and bycatch. The turtles are usually fairly gentle giants, but can deliver a bone shattering bite if disturbed, and are extremely strong and powerful. In one bizarre case, a huge leatherback, likely weighing over 1500 pounds turned its aggression toward a small boat and charged it. The turtle had just been chased by a shark, so the boat was considered a threat. 8 Mata Mata Turtle South America’s Amazon is famous for its incredible and sometimes disturbing creatures. Sharing the rivers with Piranha and River Dolphin is the unearthly Mata-Mata Turtle.

The fate of a human who stepped on a Mata-Mata has not been well tested, but the bizarre river reptiles have an elongated, snake-like neck with a strange mouth filled with two sharp plates that resemble human fused teeth. Prey items of these extraordinarily creepy exclusive carnivores include waterbirds, fish, and other reptiles. We could only imagine the effect on a boater who reaches towards the bump in the water… 7 Big-headed Turtle The Big-headed Turtle is a bizarre chelonian species with a long, snakelike tail nearly the length of its body. This turtle is native to Southeast Asia, where it hunts for a variety of prey items in the rivers. The large head cannot be retracted into its shell, and carries immensely powerful jaws. The turtle will not hesitate to use its bone shattering beak if a threat is perceived, so it is best to keep your distance. The Asian Soft-shelled is, incredibly, capable of climbing trees, where it may perch, birdlike. Sadly, this awesome creature is at risk due to poaching, which must be combatted with increased diligence.

6 Soft-shelled Turtles Looking like flattened, human/reptile hybrid out of an alien horror film, Soft-Shells make up for their shell shortcomings with a very hard bite. Among the many species of Soft-Shelled Turtles worldwide, the Cantor’s Giant Softshell, native to China is the most terrifying. It hides in the sand, waiting for prey, before striking out with sharp teeth. The sheer size and power of the bite could lead to horrendous injuries. However, this species is unfortunately now endangered, but more abundant species of soft shell such as the Florida Soft Shell occur in numbers worldwide and may chomp unwary fisherman. 5 Nile Monitor The Nile Monitor shares the Nile and other African rivers with crocodiles, growing up to 9 feet in length. This terrifying lizard often preys upon the young crocodiles as an addition to its mammal and bird diet, and possesses an extremely powerful, infectious bite. When threatened by humans or other potential intruders, a Nile Monitor can seize with a viselike, bone shattering grip, which it is reluctant to release.

The giant reptiles are sold as family pets, but owners should be cautious with reports of serious injuries and the fact that these lizards can “snap a cat’s neck in an instant and then swallow it whole”. Children should remain well out of reach of these lizards, as an attack is a possibility with such predators. 4 Gila Monster The Gila Monster is North America’s largest lizard at over 2 foot long, and is the only one that is venomous. Gilas are endangered and protected by law, but humans who interfere may become endangered themselves. If disturbed, a Gila Monster may latch on to the offender’s legs or arms, where it sinks its teeth in, quickly releasing a dose of extremely potent, neurotoxic venom. A number of deaths took place before greater awareness of the dangers and treatment options became known. Lacking fangs, the Gila will hold on with great force to a human hand, slowly chewing up the flesh, leaving a mangled, venom soaked mess. Submerging the monster in water may force it to let go, stopping the carnage.

3 Malayan Water Monitor The Malayan Water Monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world, and lurks in the rivers and deep swamps of Southeast Asia. The lizard has backwards curving teeth, and is known to feed on…dead bodies. If a living human fell into the water where several Water Monitor were feeding, it is very possible that the reptile’s hunting instinct would be activated by the vulnerability of the human, provoking an attack. Water Monitors are capable of feeding on a wide range of animals, and have little trouble with large prey, weighing over 150 pounds in some cases. Length may reach…9.5 feet. 2 Alligator Snapping Turtle The Alligator Snapping Turtle is the world’s largest freshwater turtle, and by far the most dangerous. Weighing over 200 pounds, the bizarre looking reptile has a cone covered, dinosaur like shell, and a massive beak that will cleanly amputate any body part brought near it, and is capable of severing a broom handle with lightning speed. A swimmer accidentally treading nearby could easily lose part of a foot. Although deaths have not been confirmed, drowning may have occurred undetected.

A hypothetical report of a 400 pound snapper is supported by the continued growth of this species throughout its lifespan, which may reach 200 years. 1 Komodo Dragon The Komodo Dragon stalks the forested lowlands, beaches and plateaus of Indonesia, posing a threat to nearly every living thing as a prehistoric apex predator. The 10 foot, 300 pound beasts are the largest lizards on Earth, forming microcosm of a prehistoric world where reptiles ruled. Komodos feed on prey as large as water buffalo, and have attacked, disremembered and consumed humans. Such large prey items are charged and knocked down, followed by a vicious attack involving large amounts of flesh being removed. The toxic saliva and bacteria will weaken an animal that does not die right away. Scientists have theorized the Komodo evolved to feed on now extinct dwarf island elephants. Ron Harlan is a wildlife enthusiast and fan of incredible, dangerous or animals. He does freelance writing covering fascinating and scary wildlife, conservation and oddities.

More Great Lists Venomous Lizards Venomous Lizards Gila Monster Venomous Lizards Information There are two known species of venomous lizards: the Gila monster and the Mexican Beaded lizard, but researchers believe that there might be more venomous lizard species waiting to be discovered in the wild. Both known venomous lizard species are carnivores and belong to the genus Helodermatidae. They are found in the south-western states of USA and in Mexico. Venomous lizards are generally not recommended as pets due to their aggressive and venomous nature and should only pet kept by experienced keepers. The Gila monster is listed as an endangered species in the US and Mexico. According to Arizona state law to harass, harm, pursue, hunt, shoot, wound, kill, trap, capture, or collect Gila lizards. Venomous lizards are bred in captivity and available on the market. They are usually quite expensive. Make sure to check local law before getting a venomous lizard as they require licenses in many areas. Venomous lizards belong in the family Helodermatidae. They are the only living relatives to the lizard group Monstersauria.

The two species of venomous lizards are the objects of a lot of different myths and legends and have inspired movies such as the giant Gila monster (Legend films 1959). Gila Monster: The Gila monster is a black reptile with a stunning patter consisting of yellow or orange patches on the body. Some Gila monsters have a banded pattern while others are reticulated. The body is stout with a short tail and a broad head with a round snout. They have strong muscular legs and can grow to be 55 cm / 22 inches long. In the wild they are found in the Mojave, Sonoran and Chihuahuan deserts where they live in burrows. Mexican Beaded lizard: The Mexican beaded lizard have a similar body shape to the Gila monster. The body is brown with bright, almost white spots. Mexican Beaded lizards can grow to be 40 in / 100 cm in length, with females growing bigger than the males. This species is found in central and western Mexico and inhabits tropical forests as well as pine forests and thorn scrub land.

Venomous Lizard Taxonomy Venomous lizards belong to the genus Heloderma in the family Helodermatidae. The genus contains two different species and six subspecies Heloderma horridum, Mexican Beaded Lizard Heloderma horridum horridum Heloderma suspectum cinctum Venomous Lizard Care Venomous lizards should be kept in cages that have both warmer and colder areas. The warmer areas should be about 85 - 90° F (29 - 32° C) while to colder areas should be around 72° F (22° C). The hot area can be something as simple as a basking rock or a spot under a heating lamp. These lizards grow very large and will need large enclosures. I recommended keeping them in enclosures that are at least twice their length in both width and length although they can be kept in smaller containers if necessary. An absolute minimum for an adult venomous lizard is 4 square feet (0.4 square meters) of floor space. The container should include a hiding place for the lizard to hide under. The hiding place should be large enough for the lizard to move around inside the hiding place.

They should also be provided with a large sturdy water bowl that they can bath in. Cover the bottom of the container with news paper or wood carvings to allow for easy cleaning. Remove any faeces as soon as you discover them. All of the bedding should be replaced every now and then. Moist bedding needs to be replaced immediately. Change water in the bowl at least once a day. Contact a hospital if your venomous lizard bites you. Venomous Lizard Feeding Venomous lizards are easy to feed as they accept a wide variety of foods. Like all “cold blooded” animals they have a low metabolism and should not be feed too often. These lizards will accept commercial reptile food as well as mice and rats and most other meaty foods. They can not be kept with other smaller animals as they will eat anything. Avoid feeding them eggs too often because even though it is a natural part of their diet, eggs are very fattening. Pork should be avoided for the same reason. Feed your adult venomous lizards once every two weeks. Young lizards and can be feed twice a week. Adult females should be feed like young animals during the breeding season since they need extra energy during this period.

Venomous Lizard Breeding The Mexican Beaded lizards can be sexed based on the fact that the females are larger with longer necks and broader heads than males. The Gila monster on the other hand is very hard to sex is usually sexed using ultrasound. Both species become sexually mature at around 2-3 years of age. The Mexican Beaded lizard is easier to breed than the Gila monster. Beared lizards: Beaded lizards usually mate in May or June when kept in captivity, and the female will deposit her eggs 2 months later. The eggs hatch after 165 to 215 days. If you want to successfully breed this species you should isolate pregnant females to avoid the eggs getting eaten or the female being stressed. A nesting box filled with sphagnum moss should be provided for her to spawn in. Ideal temperature for the eggs is 79° F (26° C). Gila monster: Gila monsters can be breed in the same way with exception that they usually spawn in April and that the ideal temperature for the eggs is 79-85° F (26-29° C).

Venomous Lizard Health Venomous lizards are generally hale and hearty animals and only seldom suffer from health problems. The most common health problem is obesity due to overfeeding. Young lizards grow fast and need a lot of food but adults will grow fatter rather than larger if they get too much food. Keep them on a balanced diet that provides them with all the nutrients they need without overfeeding them. Venomous lizards can develop skin problems if kept in too moist environments. Remember, these animals are primarily found in very dry areas and do not do well in moist conditions. Venomous Lizard Facts Venomous lizard facts 1 Venomous lizards are only occasionally available in the trade and if you want one it is best to contact a speciality breeder (they can be found online). Expect to pay in excess of $1,000 for one lizard. Banded Gila Monsters will for instance often cost around $2,000. Venomous lizard fact 2 The Mexican Beaded lizard is the largest of the venomous lizards and can reach in excess of 40 in / 1 m in length.

Venomous lizard fact 3 The existence of even more species of venomous lizards were long seen as unlikely, but today most scientists suspect that there might be more species waiting to be discovered. Venomous lizard fact 4 Venomous lizards are considered endangered and protected by law throughout their natural range. Venomous Lizard lifespan These lizards can grow quite old and they are known to live for up to 30 years. Menu

Question: What is the only venomous lizard native to the USA?
Answer: Gila monster