Near Threatened
Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum
A heavy-bodied venomous lizard of desert scrublands with black-and-orange beadlike scales.
Category
Reptile
Habitat
Desert
Diet
Carnivore
Lifespan
15–20 years in the wild; over 30 years in captivity
Size
Length 30–56 cm; weight 350 g to over 1 kg
Scientific Name
Heloderma suspectum
About Gila Monster
A heavy-bodied venomous lizard of desert scrublands with black-and-orange beadlike scales.
It belongs to the Reptile group and is commonly associated with desert habitats with a carnivore diet, with a lifespan of 15–20 years in the wild; over 30 years in captivity, a size of Length 30–56 cm; weight 350 g to over 1 kg, a conservation status of Near Threatened.
Fun Fact
Gila monsters spend much of the year hidden underground and can store large amounts of fat in their tails.
Where Gila Monster Lives
Search by place →
Sonoran Desert
, United States
Sonora scrubland
, Mexico