Chiapan beaded lizard (Heloderma alvarezi)
Lizards · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Chiapan beaded lizard (Heloderma alvarezi) (origin: Mexico (Chiapas) / Guatemala – the Depresión Central). Adult size around 60–90 cm total length. Life expectancy 20–30 years, up to about 40 years in human care. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Chiapan beaded lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
160×120×120 cm for one animal.
Chiapan beaded lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 22–32 °C (gradient), basking spot 35–38 °C, at night 20–24 °C.
Chiapan beaded lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Recommended.
Chiapan beaded lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 20–30 years, up to about 40 years in human care.
Chiapan beaded lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 22–32 °C (gradient)
- Night temperature
- 20–24 °C
- Basking spot
- 35–38 °C
- Humidity
- 60–80 %
- UVB
- Recommended
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 160×120×120 cm for one animal
- Substrate
- Diggable soil-sand mix, at least 15 cm deep, with moist digging zones and an obligatory damp hide; plus thick trunks and branches for climbing
Feeding
- Food
- Rodents (mice or rats), eggs, chicks; carnivorous
- Feeding interval
- Adults every 7–14 days
Key facts
- Adult size
- 60–90 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 20–30 years, up to about 40 years in human care
- Origin
- Mexico (Chiapas) / Guatemala – the Depresión Central
- Protection status
- CITES App. II; venomous → in many places a dangerous animal requiring a permit
- Brumation
- A cooler, drier rest period of ~6–8 weeks (~18–20 °C)
- Cohabitation
- Single housing; only together for pairing. The reason: several males fight over territory and basking spot until one is injured or permanently confined to a corner.
Notes
VENOMOUS! The bite causes severe pain, swelling and circulatory problems – for experienced keepers only; in several German states it requires registration or a permit.
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Related species
- Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) – Expert
- Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti) – Expert
- Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) – Expert
- Rio Fuerte beaded lizard (Heloderma exasperatum) – Expert
- Aeolian wall lizard (Podarcis raffonei) – Expert
- Anzueto's arboreal alligator lizard (Abronia anzuetoi) – Expert
- Aran rock lizard (Iberolacerta aranica) – Expert
- Aurelio's rock lizard (Iberolacerta aurelioi) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Chiapan beaded lizard (Heloderma alvarezi) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (160×120×120 cm for one animal), substrate (Diggable soil-sand mix, at least 15 cm deep, with moist digging zones and an obligatory damp hide; plus thick trunks and branches for climbing), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 5 November 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: grokipedia.com, gutachten.txt (BML 1997, lokal), Wikipedia DE, Wikipedia EN, einrichtungsbeispiele.de
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).