Heloderma

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

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

[edit] 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)

[edit] In captivity

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