Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum
Large, thick venomous lizard with small, bulky tail and big head. Beaded scales on dorsum can be pink, yellow, or black and form distinct blotches. Belly scales more clos…
How to identify
Large, thick venomous lizard with small, bulky tail and big head. Beaded scales on dorsum can be pink, yellow, or black and form distinct blotches. Belly scales more closely resemble squares and are overall flatter than dorsal scales. Feet, legs, and head are primarily black. Exhibits loose skin folds on neck and especially tough claws. Total length of mature males and females can range from 22 to 35 cm. Females lay eggs from July to August; clutches contain 6 to 13 young.
Range
Western United States and Mexico in southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, Arizona, southern New Mexico, Sonora and Sinaloa.
Habitat
Usually prefers deserts, grasslands and scrub over woodlands. Especially converges in areas directly under canyons and on rocky slopes near streams. Will hide under rocks, shrubs, or underground in rodents' nests. On average, individuals will spend most of their time hidden under some type of cover.
Variations
Subspecies Banded Gila Monster, or *Heloderma suspectum cinctum*, found primarily in southern Nevada, western Arizona, and a small portion of southeastern California. Subspecies Reticulate Gila Monster, or *Heloderma suspectum suspectum*, found primarily in southern Arizona and northwestern Mexico.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Suspectum: Latin for mistrusted.
At a glance
Range
Western United States and Mexico in southeastern California, southern Nevada, southwestern Utah, Arizona, southern New Mexico…
Habitat
Usually prefers deserts, grasslands and scrub over woodlands. Especially converges in areas directly under canyons and on roc…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap