Gila Monster

Size: 45-60 cm.

Lifespan: 20-30 år.

Food: Babies of mice, hare and rabbit, but also eggs, snakes, lizards and birds. 

Venomous lizard

There are three venomous lizards in the world. One, you see before you – the Gila monster. The others are the Mexican beaded lizard and the Komodo dragon. The Gila monster does not inject the venom into its prey. Instead, it bites into the prey and chews it. During that time, the lizard’s venomous saliva runs into the wound.

The Gila monster has a kind of armour on its body, consisting of many tiny knobs, which provide protection just like they do on monitor lizards.

Lives alone in the desert

The Gila monster is one of the biggest lizards in the United States. It lives alone and only roams for short distances. During the hot desert days, the lizard lies hidden in rock crevices, underneath stones or in hollows. But it is active at dusk and at night.

The Gila monster hibernates in winter. It does not eat then but instead lives off fat it has stored in its thick tail, which weighs about 1.5 to 2.5 kilos.

Threats to the Gila monster

In nature, the Gila monster is threatened because its habitat is shrinking more and more. Farming and new road construction are making the habitat zones smaller and cut off from each other. Then the lizards become isolated from each other.

The lizard is also threatened by poaching. Specimens are caught illegally to be used as terrarium animals for, although this is being done less now.

Distribution worldwide

South west
United States
and Mexico.

White marking = Distribution

Threat based on the Red List

Trade regulations

CITES: B-listed.