Safety / Survival / Army Field Manuals / AFM 3-05.70

Appendix E

POISONOUS LIZARDS

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 (Figure E-51).

Figure E-51. Mexican Beaded Lizard Habitat

Survival index

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