Lizards - The Dangerous and The Deadly Until just a few years ago, it was thought that there were only two venomous lizard species in the world - the Gila monster and the beaded lizard, both which live in the Sonoran Desert. Recent studies show that some monitor lizards, including the Komodo dragon, and some species of iguanas also have venom. Gila Monster and Beaded Lizard Komodo Dragon Iguanas Gila monsters and beaded lizards have venom Within the last five years, komodo dragons and some other Recently, venom that is produced in the salivary glands of the species of monitor lizards were discovered to have venom glands have been lower jaw. When the lizard latches onto its prey, glands. It was thought that bites from these lizards caused death found in some it begins to chew, releasing the venom into the to their prey through the abundant amounts of bacteria in their species of iguanas. wound of the animal. The Gila monster produces Gila Monster mouths, including E. Coli and Staphylococcus. Komodo dragons, In the past, the a neurotoxin in its venom which is as potent as a coral snake’s venom; however, have two venom glands in the lower jaw which secrete symptoms caused however, the Gila monster produces much less. The venom causes toxins that inhibit blood by bites were extreme pain, bleeding, nausea and vomiting. clotting, lower blood thought to have The beaded lizard produces a hemotoxin which pressure and cause been from the bacteria in the iguana’s mouth. can cause respiratory failure. Both species muscle paralysis and Iguanas retain characteristics of the ancestral rarely cause human deaths. Studies are being hypothermia, which venom system - glands on both upper and conducted on the venom of both species lead to shock and loss lower jaws which deliver small amounts of in the search for new drugs to treat cancer, of consciousness in venom. More advanced venomous reptiles Alzheimers, diabetes and HIV. envenomated prey. only have venom glands on one set of jaws. Beaded Lizard