| Size |
Adults can be more than two feet in length. |
| Weight |
3-6 lbs. |
| Conservation Status |
|
| Diet |
Beaded lizards are carnivorous. In the wild these lizards hunt small mammals, lizards, birds and will readily eat eggs. Beaded lizards are one of only a few lizards with actual venom. The venom is stored in grooved pits at the base of each tooth. The venom is delivered to the lizards prey by a chewing motion. At the Zoo the beaded lizards are offered rats once weekly, as with most carnivorous reptiles, it will take up to a week or more for the lizard to completely digest it’s meal and be ready to eat again. |
| Geographic Range |
Mexico and Guatemala |
| Where to find me in the Zoo |
Reptile and Amphibian House |
Note: Description below should include Longevity, Behavior, and Reproduction information
The beaded lizard is a large lizard that can be black or brown in color with yellow spots or bands. The tail can be black or brown with a ringed pattern of alternating dark and yellow banding.
Longevity
30+ years
Behavior
The beaded lizard is active during the cooler periods of the day (morning, dusk, late after noon, and at night).
Reproduction
The mating season takes place in September and October. Females lay 2-15 eggs that hatch in 10 -12 months
The Zoo has four beaded lizards, three males and one female. The female and two of the males were born at Birmingham Zoo and arrived here on November 17, 2004. The female was born on March 7, 1998 and the two males were born on February 13, 1996 and February 26, 1997. The third male was born in the wild and has been at the Zoo since February 16, 1978.
Enrichment
Adoption Information
Featured Foster Parent