Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum)

Short answers

Mexican beaded lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?

150×80×80 cm for one animal (larger is better for this big species).

Mexican beaded lizard: What temperature does it need?

Daytime 26–32 °C, basking spot 35–38 °C (basking spot), at night 18–22 °C.

Mexican beaded lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?

UVB: UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–3).

Mexican beaded lizard: How long do they live?

Life expectancy: approx. 25–30 years.

Mexican beaded lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?

No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).

Climate

Daytime temperature

26–32 °C

Night temperature

18–22 °C

Basking spot

35–38 °C (basking spot)

Humidity

50–70 % (with a humid floor zone or hide)

UVB

UVB recommended (Ferguson zone 1–2, UV index 1–3)

Enclosure

Minimum size

150×80×80 cm for one animal (larger is better for this big species)

Substrate

A sand and soil mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots, cork tubes and damp retreats

Feeding

Food

Carnivorous: mice or rats, chicks, quail and other bird eggs, occasionally insects

Feeding interval

adults sparingly, approx. 1×/week or every 5–10 days (avoid obesity)

Key facts

Adult size

60–90 cm total length (larger and more slender than the Gila monster)

Life expectancy

approx. 25–30 years

Origin

Western and central Mexico (the Pacific side); dry thorn scrub and deciduous forest, rocky areas

Protection status

VENOMOUS. CITES Appendix II / EU Annex B – a commercial-use permit and proof of origin are needed. Keeping venomous animals: notification, a permit and proof of expertise are required depending on the German state

Brumation

A rest period matching the dry season: cooler and drier, about 13–18 °C for a few weeks to months (November to March)

Cohabitation

Keeping them singly is the standard. 1.1 only for experienced keepers, in a very large enclosure and under supervision. NEVER keep males together (ritual fights); rear the young separately

Notes

A venomous lizard – handle it only with experience and protection, and keep an emergency plan ready. Slightly higher humidity than the Gila monster (thorn scrub). It runs to obesity – feed sparingly. Not for beginners.

Do you keep this species?

Add your animal to Reptoria – Reptoria reminds you about feeding and shedding. Add your animal for free →

Look for Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) in the marketplace →

Related species

• Chiapan beaded lizard (Heloderma alvarezi) – Expert
• Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) – Expert
• Guatemalan beaded lizard (Heloderma charlesbogerti) – 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

All species in the care wiki →

What you need to start

To keep Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (150×80×80 cm for one animal (larger is better for this big species)), substrate (A sand and soil mix they can dig in, with stone slabs, roots, cork tubes and damp retreats), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.