Poisonous Lizards In India

Poisonous Lizards In India: Do They Exist?

Just like all snakes are not poisonous, all lizards are also not poisonous. As common man, we have the tendency to associate reptiles like snakes and lizards with venom, bites, aggressiveness, and other negative aspects. While some snakes bites can indeed be dangerous and lethal, we tend to abhor the very idea of snakes, however harmless some species might me.

The same applies for lizards and more so, because in India there are zero species of poisonous lizards. In fact, only a few known species of lizards are believed to be venomous and none of them occur in India. 

Poisonous Lizards Worldwide

The Gila Monster

The Gila monster that is found in some US states produces a neurotoxic venom as potent as that of a coral snake’s venom. However, very small amounts of venom are delivered through Gila bites which are usually not fatal for healthy human adults. It is difficult to free oneself of the biting lizard as the Gila tends to hold on tenaciously to its victim and hence submerging the lizard fully in water becomes the only way to make it let go. Excruciating pain, edema, and drop in blood pressure are some symptoms associated with such bites.

The Mexican Beaded Lizard

Another venomous lizard, the Mexican beaded found in Mexico and Guatemala produces a weak hemotoxic venom. Though chances of fatality are low, bites from these lizards can cause excruciating pain, inflammation and in extreme cases, respiratory failure.

The Komodo Dragon

The Komodo dragon, a giant lizard species endemic to Indonesia, also produces a highly potent venom. This venom, when injected into the victim, triggers rapid blood loss, a massive drop in blood pressure, and finally death. 

Lizards In India

A variety of lizard species are found in India but none of those that have been studied are known to be venomous in nature. Thus, there are no poisonous lizards in India.

Common House Gecko

The most common lizard that we usually encounter in our homes and offices, is the common house gecko. These lizards are associated with innumerable superstitions. They are often though to be venomous in nature. However, the simple truth is that these creatures are devoid of any form of poison and are quite harmless to humans. Though they might bite on rare occasions, their bites are also quite weak and cannot pierce skin. 

Thus, hopefully, your search for “Poisonous Lizards In India” have found its answer here. 

“There are no poisonous lizards in India”