The Gila Monster
Meet the Gila Monster! This chunky, bright and vibrant lizard is found in southwestern America and Mexico. With its striking bold black body, embellished with pink or orange patterns, it's an eye-catcher. Known as one of only a few venomous lizards worldwide, it uses its venom not for prey, but for self-defense. Keep in mind, while observing this impressive creature, it’s also a solitary and slow-moving fellow, mostly seen during the nighttime.
| Gila Monster | |
|---|---|
| Size | 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) |
| Weight | 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) |
| Speed | Speed: 2-3 mph (3.2-4.8 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Powerful bite and venomous bite |
| Biggest Weakness | Slow movement and short legs |
| Scientific Name | Heloderma suspectum |
| Family | Helodermatidae |
| Habitat | Desert and scrubland |
| Geography | Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, eggs, and reptiles |
| Lifespan | 20 years - 30 years |
The Gila Monster
Meet the Gila Monster! This chunky, bright and vibrant lizard is found in southwestern America and Mexico. With its striking bold black body, embellished with pink or orange patterns, it's an eye-catcher. Known as one of only a few venomous lizards worldwide, it uses its venom not for prey, but for self-defense. Keep in mind, while observing this impressive creature, it’s also a solitary and slow-moving fellow, mostly seen during the nighttime.
Fun Fact: Even though the Gila Monster seems scary, its venom is a source of inspiration for scientists, helping them create a medicine for diabetes -- how cool is that?
| Gila Monster | |
|---|---|
| Size | 20-24 inches (50-60 cm) |
| Weight | 1-2 pounds (0.5-1 kg) |
| Speed | Speed: 2-3 mph (3.2-4.8 km/hr) |
| Key Strength | Powerful bite and venomous bite |
| Biggest Weakness | Slow movement and short legs |
| Scientific Name | Heloderma suspectum |
| Family | Helodermatidae |
| Habitat | Desert and scrubland |
| Geography | Southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico |
| Diet | Small mammals, birds, eggs, and reptiles |
| Lifespan | 20 years - 30 years |
Gila Monster Matchups
We use AI to simulate matchups between the Gila Monster and other animals. Our simulation considers size, strength, and natural predatory behaviors to determine the most likely outcome.
Fun Fact: The Gila Monster puts the 'lazy' in lizard, yep, nearly all their time is spent hidden, they may spend up to 95% of their lives in their burrows!
Fun Fact: Despite its fearsome reputation, the Gila Monster's bite is rarely fatal to humans - ouch, but not deadly!