Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

The Gila monster is a stout venomous lizard of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. Bead-like scales and contrasting dark and warm-coloured patterns distinguish it.

Heloderma suspectum (gila monster) — Blueag9 · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Habitat: Desert
Diet: Carnivore
Food: Eggs and small vertebrates.

Classification

Common name: Gila Monster
Browse group: Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon: Heloderma suspectum
Taxon rank: species
Family: Helodermatidae
Genus: Heloderma
Source classification: Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

Its scales have a bead-like surface.
Eggs are an important food.
It can consume a large meal at one feeding.

Habitat and range

Gila monsters inhabit dry country with shrubs, cacti, rocky slopes and sheltered crevices. Suitable hiding places matter because much of their life is spent out of sight.

Appearance and adaptations

The broad head, robust body and short thick tail give a heavy outline. Raised scales create a beaded surface, patterned in black with pink, yellow or orange.