Gila Monster

Heloderma suspectum

Range

Occurs from Nevada south through the southwestern United States to northern Sinaloa, Mexico.

Habitat

Rocky lowlands, desert scrub, desert grassland, and rocky canyons; commonly associated with underground burrows.

Diet

Carnivorous; documented prey includes young rabbits, packrats and other rodents, eggs, nestling birds, lizards, and occasional small snakes.

Facts

• Look for bead-like scales, a solid-black snout, a rounded tail, and short, stout limbs with long claws. Black bands or blotches contrast with pink, orange, or salmon coloration.
• Its tongue detects faint scents, helping the lizard gather chemical information from its surroundings.
• The young may hatch in early winter but stay underground until spring, living on residual yolk after emerging from the eggs.

Research sources

• GBIF Backbone Taxonomy
• Gila Monster — Saguaro National Park