Gila monsters, heloderma suspectum, are the largest lizards in the United States. They measure 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) in length, and weigh 3 to 5 pounds (1.3 to 2.2 kilograms). Gila monsters have black bodies which have patterns consisting of bright yellow, orange, and even pink. Their skin is composed of many round, bony scales, which is rare in current reptile species (although it was very common amongst dinosaurs millions of years ago). Gila monsters are also one of the few venomous species of lizard in the world. Their venom will cause pain, but it is not fatal to humans as no deaths have ever been reported.
Gila monsters can be found only in the North America, specifically the southwestern United States and Mexico. They tend to inhabit dry scrublands and rocky mountain foothills. Actually, Gila monsters get their name from the Gila River basin in Arizona, where they were first discovered. They spend the majority of their time underground in burrows, which they either dig themselves or (more likely) steal from other animals. They hibernate during the winter months and emerge during the spring time, which is when the majority of their activities take place.
The diet of Gila monsters consists mainly of bird and reptile eggs, although they will also eat frogs, insects, small mammals and even small reptiles (including other lizards). When hunting, Gila monsters will catch their prey in their mouths, releasing the venom stored under their teeth in their bottom jaws. They will wait for the venom to kill their prey before eating it. Gila monsters will store fat in their tails, which will thin as they use their fat reserves and swell the more they eat. By living off this fat, Gila monsters can go for months at a time without eating. Being slow moving creatures, they are preyed upon by birds or prey, as well as coyotes.
Breeding season for Gila monsters takes place from April to June. Females will lay their eggs from late June to August in the ground and then buries them. The eggs will remain underground until the next spring season (almost a year), at which time the young Gila monsters will hatch. During their year-long incubation period, some eggs may be discovered and consumed by small, ground-dwelling creatures. If the young ones can survive long, then they live to be up to 30 years old.
Gila monsters are a threatened species of lizard. Loss of their natural habitat is the greatest threat facing them. Some are illegally hunted to sell as pets, while others are killed by domestic animals such as cats and dogs. They are a protected species, and many of the myths and superstitions surrounding them (such as the belief that their venom will kill humans) have been lifted. Hopefully, continued public awareness and conservation efforts will help Gila monsters to repopulate and avoid facing extinction. After all, such a unique and colorful lizard species deserves to live and prosper for future generations to see.
Works Cited
“Gila Monster” 13 March 2011
“Gila Monster” 13 March 2011
“Gila Monster (Heloderma Suspectum)” 13 March 2011
