The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a species of venomous lizard native to the Southwestern United States and the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. It is the largest lizard native to the United States, with a length of up to two feet and a maximum weight exceeding five pounds.
Physical Traits
Gila monsters are heavy-bodied lizards covered with beadlike scales, called osteoderms, that are black and yellow or pink, covering all but their belly. They have large heads with small beady eyes, short tails, and strong claws for digging burrows.
Life Span
Gila monsters typically live between 20-30 years in the wild.
Habitat
Gila monsters inhabit desert scrublands and dry grasslands in southwestern Arizona, southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, and northern Mexico. They prefer areas with loose soil for burrowing.
Diet
Gila monsters feed mainly on eggs and small mammals such as rodents but also eat insects, birds, amphibians, reptiles, carrion, and fruit. They have powerful jaws, which they use to crush hard-shelled prey items like eggs or snails.
Reproduction
Gila monsters reproduce by laying eggs in underground burrows, which hatch after 8-10 weeks of incubation. The young lizards are about 4 inches long at hatching and reach maturity at 2-3 years old.
Conservation Status
The Gila monster is listed as Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List due to habitat loss from urbanization and agricultural development and collection for the pet trade.
Interesting Facts
The Gila monster is one of only two venomous lizards in the world! It produces venom in glands of its lower jaw, which it channels along grooves in its teeth when biting prey or predators. Venom is not deadly but can cause intense pain if left untreated.
