Gila Monsters Facts
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Growing up to two feet in length, Gila monsters (Heloderma suspectum) rank as the United States' largest native lizard.
They are also the only native venomous lizard.
Identifying one in its habitat can be a relatively straightforward exercise. Their head and back have bead-like scales, similar to corn on the cob.
They have blotches of black, yellow, orange, or pink. The face is always black.
Moist canyons, arroyos, or washes serve are their favored habitats.
Like snakes, they use their tongues to pick up and convey scents.
Gila monsters prey on lizards, small mammals, birds, and bird and reptile eggs. The venom is only used to kill large prey. The poison flows into the open wound of the victim, unlike snakes that actually inject the poison into the victim.
The venom is not generally deadly to humans, but it does cause extreme pain, and their bite also causes pain. It is always advisable to avoid touching them.
Summer is breeding season. Females lay their eggs in specialized ground nests.
As it turns out, humans are more dangerous to gila monsters than the other way around.
Their rarity makes them a prized possession, adding to population pressures. It is illegal to catch wild specimens in the United States and Mexico.
© 2006-2011. Patricia A. Michaels.