Reptiles Guide

Heloderma
Gila Monster, Heloderma suspectum
Scientific classification
Kingdom: Animalia   Phylum: Chordata   Class: Sauropsida   Order: Squamata   Suborder: Lacertilia   Family: Helodermatidae   Genus: Heloderma Wiegmann, 1829

Heloderma is a genus of venomous lizards native to the southwestern United States, Mexico and as far south as Guatemala. It consists of two separate species, with six subspecies. They prefer semi-arid habitats.

Taxonomy

Genus Heloderma

• Heloderma horridum, Beaded lizard
  • Heloderma horridum horridum (Wiegmann, 1829)
    Heloderma horridum alvarezi (Bogert & Martên del Campo, 1956)
    Heloderma horridum exasperatum (Bogert & Martên Del Campo, 1956)
    Heloderma horridum charlesbogerti (Campbell & Vannini, 1988)
• Heloderma suspectum, Gila monster
  • Heloderma suspectum cinctum (Bogert & Martên Del Campo, 1956)
    Heloderma suspectum suspectum (Cope, 1869)

In captivity

H. h. horridum, H. h. exasperatum, and both subspecies of H. suspectum are frequently found in captivity, and often captive bred for the exotic animal trade, and they can command high prices. They are well represented in zoos throughout much of the world. The other two subspecies of H. horridum are extremely rare, and only a few captive specimens are known.