The Gila monster is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. source
The Gila monster is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexican state of Sonora.
The Gila monster is a heavy, slow-moving lizard, up to 60 cm (2.0 ft) long. source
The Gila monster is a heavy, slow-moving lizard, up to 60 cm (2.0 ft) long.
The Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America. source
The Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America.
The name "Gila" refers to the Gila River Basin in the U.S. states of New Mexico and Arizona, where the Gila monster was once plentiful. source
The name "Gila" refers to the Gila River Basin in the U.S. states of New Mexico and Arizona, where the Gila monster was once plentiful.
In fact, Gila monsters seem to like water and can be observed immersing themselves in puddles of water after a summer rain. source
In fact, Gila monsters seem to like water and can be observed immersing themselves in puddles of water after a summer rain.
The Gila monster avoid living in open areas such as flats and farmland. source
The Gila monster avoid living in open areas such as flats and farmland.
Gila monsters spend 90% of their time underground in burrows or rocky shelters. source
Gila monsters spend 90% of their time underground in burrows or rocky shelters.
Gila monsters are active in the morning during the dry season (spring and early summer); later in the summer, source
Gila monsters are active in the morning during the dry season (spring and early summer); later in the summer,
Gila monsters may be active on warm nights or after a thunderstorm. source
Gila monsters may be active on warm nights or after a thunderstorm.
Gila monsters maintain a surface body temperature of about 30 °C (86 °F). source
Gila monsters maintain a surface body temperature of about 30 °C (86 °F).
Gila monsters are slow in sprinting ability, but they have relatively high endurance and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) for a lizard. source
Gila monsters are slow in sprinting ability, but they have relatively high endurance and maximal aerobic capacity (VO2 max) for a lizard.
Gila monsters are preyed upon by coyotes and raptors. source
Gila monsters are preyed upon by coyotes and raptors.
The Gila monster eats small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, insects, and carrion. source
The Gila monster eats small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, insects, and carrion.
The Gila monster produces venom in modified salivary glands in its lower jaw. source
The Gila monster produces venom in modified salivary glands in its lower jaw.
In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the drug exenatide (marketed as Byetta) for the management of type 2 diabetes. source
In 2005, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the drug exenatide (marketed as Byetta) for the management of type 2 diabetes.
Gila monster - Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years source
Gila monster - Captive Lifespan: More than 20 Years