Facts about the Gila Monster

The Gila Monster has colorful patterned beaded scales. Matt Jepsen/Shutterstock)

The Gila Monster is the largest lizard native to the United States. Their name comes from the Gila River Basin in Arizona, where they were first discovered. The Gila (pronounced hee la) monster is also one of only two species of Gila monster in the world. Size and Description

The Gila Monster has a large, stocky body and a short, fat tail. According to National Geographic, they usually grow to about 20 inches (50 centimeters) and weigh about 4 pounds (1.8 kilograms).

Their heads and necks are broad, and their eyes are black. Pupils are round. Their bodies are covered in pearly scales and patterns in bright black, pink, yellow and orange. Their wide feet end in long, pointed claws. "KDSPE" habitat "KDSPs" Gila monsters are found only in the Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. "KDSPE" "KDSPs" Gilas spend 95% of their lives in their homes, which are underground caves located in the rocky foothills. According to National Geographic, Habits

A group of lizards is called a lounge, which is appropriate because they like to lie around and soak up the sun. In fact, besides eating, sunbathing is the only reason the Gila Monster leaves its underground home. When the Gila Monster is active

depends on the weather. If the weather is really hot, the lizard may choose to come out only at night. On the other hand, if the weather is cool, the lizards may emerge as the sun rises.

Offspring

Like other lizards, Gilas lay eggs. A female can lay 3 to 13 eggs at a time, and she incubates the eggs for about 4 months. These eggs are usually about 2.5 inches (6.3 centimeters) long and weigh about 1.4 ounces (40 grams). At birth, a baby Gila is approximately 6.3 inches (16 centimeters) long.

Gila monsters take 3 to 5 years to mature and live 20 to 30 years. The Gila Monster has long, sharp claws. (Timothy Craig Lubcke/Shutterstock?) Diet

Gila Monsters are carnivores, meaning they eat meat. Because they are on the lazy side, they prefer animals that are easy to prey on, such as eggs and newborn mammals. These animals don't even chew their food and can even swallow small eggs whole. Gilas can also eat frogs, rodents, insects, lizards, worms, and carrion.

If they can't get out of their burrows to feed, no problem. Gilas store fat in their tails and can go months without eating. They use this property especially during the winter and stay indoors throughout the season.

As it eats, it grows bigger. According to the San Diego Zoo, a Gila Monster can swallow a third of its body weight in one meal. Chew

Gila monsters apparently use their venom for defense rather than hunting, according to Animal Diversity Network. According to the Arizona Poison and Drug Information Center, when attacked, Gila monsters will latch on and not let go. The toxin comes from glands in the jaws, though grooves in the animals' teeth enter the victim's broken skin. Gilas chew the flesh to ensure the venom is deposited.

The bite has been described as extremely painful, but in most cases the venom is not fatal to humans. Pain is generally localized to the bite site, according to Arizona Poison Centers. It may also cause localized swelling, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, weakness, fainting, excessive sweating, chills, and fever.

There is currently no medication to combat Gila monster bites. The first step in treatment is to let the lizard let go. It is recommended to use a sturdy stick to pry open the jaws. First aid may include flushing the wound with water and immobilizing the affected limb at heart level. The wound should be inspected for broken teeth. Anyone bitten by a Gila Monster should seek medical attention immediately. Classification/Classification

Based on the comprehensive classification information, here is the Classification Information Information System (ITIS) for the Gila Monster:

Kingdom: Animalia Subkingdom: Diptera Lower Kingdom: Pylophylum: Chordata: Vertebrates Subphylum: Gnatostome Superclass: Tetrapod: Reptiles Order: Squalia Suborder: Squalidae: Heloderma Family: Heloderma Species: Suspected Heloderma Subspecies: Heloderma in the International Union for Conservation of Nature In the Red List of Endangered Species, the krait, the reticulated krait, and the protected species krait are listed as endangered species. The International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) reports that the population is estimated to be declining, although exact numbers are not available. "KDSPE" "The United States and Mexico prohibit the collection of Gila monsters within their boundaries." The area of ??habitat protected is large in national parks and monuments and federal wilderness areas. "KDSPE" Other Facts "KDSPs". Another venomous lizard is the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum), which is closely related to the same genus. This lizard literally kills its prey with its venom.

The Gila Monster can only run at a speed of 1 mph (1.6 km/h).

Although not the most active of animals, Gilas are more than willing to climb a cactus to reach a nest full of eggs.

The bead-like scales covering the gilas are called osteoderms. The bright colors of these scales are thought to warn predators to stay away, much like the bright colors of poisonous frogs.

Gilas uses his large tail for balance as he walks.

There is a drug to treat type 2 diabetes based on a protein found in the saliva of the Gila Monster. The drug has been nicknamed "lizard spit," according to the San Diego Zoo.

Additional Resources Porter Park Zoo: Gila Monster American Library of Medicine: An Anti-Diabetes Drug Developed from Gila Monster Venom Atlantic: Arizona’s Adorable Monsters