Mexican beaded lizard

The beaded lizard is a venomous reptile found mainly in Mexico and southern Guatemala. It’s one of the few lizards with a venom delivery system and has a striking black body with yellowish bands. Its venom is being studied for potential medical uses, especially in treating diabetes.

• It feeds mostly on eggs, making it a specialized predator.
• Its venom contains enzymes that could help create diabetes drugs.
• It’s larger than its relative, the Gila monster.