Gila Monster vs Beaded Lizard-what's the difference?

[Godzillaalienfan1979]

This might be a stupid question, but what's the difference between the two? Like, I know Gilas are a bit bulkier, but that's all I know.

While we're at it, what level are either-intermediate, expert or in-between? And how deadly is their venom?

 

[Jurdon]

Not deadly, but breeders are few & far between. Large enclosures with deep, burrowable substrate are a must. As for differences, last I checked there were 5 species in the genus Heloderma, four of them being South-American. H. horridum is the Mexican Beaded, H. suspectum is the familiar Gila Monster. Most major differences are their native range and, like you mentioned, the Gila’s slight bulk. I’m not too sure on where their care falls on the easy-hard spectrum, but I’d assume it’s advanced/intermediate due to size, venom, and (another assumption) need for UVB.

 

[AnimalNewbie]

Can you even legally have a Gila???
I’ve only ever seen beaded lizards for sale.

 

[NYAN]

Can you even legally have a Gila???
I’ve only ever seen beaded lizards for sale.

Yes, I’ve seen them for sale. Probably depends on state and local laws though. Permits may be necessary too.

 

[Jurdon]

Can you even legally have a Gila???
I’ve only ever seen beaded lizards for sale.

I follow at least two instagram users who have gilas, one of whom breeds them

 

[Cas S]

Giles are orange and beadeds are yellow