Fun Facts!

Gila monsters are quite the wrestlers! Male gila monsters will engage in combat as the larger one sits on top of the weaker one and holds down its legs. Southwestern Native Americans long have used patterns of the gila monster’s skin as basis for art and tapestry.

They are the only poisonous lizard found in the US.

Skeleton parts of gila monsters have been found in Nevada dating from the late Pleistocene, up to 10,000 years ago.

Tough enough! The gila monster can climb a cactus.

Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum suspectum

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION

There are two types of gila monster - the reticulate and the banded. The reticulate gila monster has its lighter markings broken up by dark scales to give it a reticulated pattern. The banded gila monster generally has more unbroken bands of lighter scales. Reticulates are found in the southern range, and the banded gila monsters in the northern part. They have short, stubby legs and grow to be up to two feet long, weighing five pounds.

HABITAT

The gila monster is found in the desert regions of the southwestern US and Mexico in 'scrubland' - succulent areas and desert oak woodlands. It seeks shelter in burrows, thickets, under rocks and areas that have access to moisture.

DIET IN THE WILD

Their diet consists of bird eggs, reptile eggs, and occasionally birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, insects or carrion. Gila monsters are known to feed only 5-6 times a year.

BEHAVIOR

A gila monster is slow-moving, fairly shy and reclusive. It doesn’t often bite to attack, but it produces venom through its saliva to kill or stun small animals.

STATUS IN THE WILD / CONSERVATION EFFORTS

The gila monster is a very old species and has survived well. In modern times, the gila monsters are protected in Arizona and Nevada. Poachers are the main threat in the growing pet trade market. The gila monster is listed as near-threatened. Work is being done to prevent paving over their habitats as they get trapped underground when hibernating.

LIFE SPAN

They can live up to 20 years in the wild and 30 years in captivity.