Beaded Lizards (Helodermatidae family of Lizards)
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The Helodermatidae family of lizards consists of only two species, the Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) and the Beaded Lizard (Heloderma horridum), the only two venomous lizards. The bite of these lizards is dangerous but seldom fatal, considered the equivalent of a mild bite from a rattle-snake. Unlike venomous snakes, the poison glands are in the lower jaw and run through grooved teeth, rather than hollow teeth.
These lizards are heavily built, short-tailed and colorfully marked and found only on the Amercian continents.
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GILA MONSTER
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|  | Heloderma suspectum
| The Gila Monster is found in southern United States of America and Mexico in arid areas. One of only two venomous species of lizard, the Gila Monster is a stocky lizard that can reach a length of around 60cm (24 in).
The patterned black and orange or yellow scales make this lizard easily identifiable, however in the wild it is shy and unlikely to be encountered. In captivity the Gila Monster may live for up to 20 years.
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Image: David Warwick (Melbourne Zoo Exhibit - Dec 2004)
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