Gila monster
A species of Beaded lizards, Also known as Reticulate gila monster Scientific name : Heloderma suspectum Genus : Beaded lizards
Gila monster, A species of Beaded lizards
Also known as:
Reticulate gila monster
Scientific name: Heloderma suspectum
Genus: Beaded lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By Samuriah , used under CC-BY-SA-3.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum, /ËhiËlÉ/ HEE-lÉ) is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and the northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. A heavy, typically slow-moving lizard, up to 60Â cm (2.0Â ft) long, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. Its close venomous relatives, the four âMexican beaded lizardsâ (former subspecies of Heloderma horridum) inhabit Mexico and
General Info
Lifespan
20-30 years
Diet
Gila monster primarily feeds on small animals such as insects, centipedes, small mammals, and birds. It uses its venom to paralyze prey, enabling easier consumption. The species also exhibits an affinity for eggs and carrion.
Appearance
Gila monster is a medium-sized reptile with a robust, stocky body and a short tail. Its scaly skin is marked with a distinctive black and pink or yellow beaded pattern. They are known for their venomous grooved teeth and sharp claws. There is no marked difference in appearance based on age, gender, or subspecies.
Behavior
Gila monster is a solitary, diurnal species that is typically lethargic. It uses its keen sense of smell to forage, employing a biting strategy to immobilize prey with venom. Not territorial, gila monster relies on cryptic coloration for survival, blending into its desert and semi-desert surroundings, making it difficult for predators to spot.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Beaded lizards Genus
Beaded lizards Species
Gila monster 
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