Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum
Conservation
Near Threatened
Habitat
Desert
Natural Range
Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts in SW United States and NW Mexico
Activity
Diurnal
Diet
Carnivorous
Zoo Location
Reptile and Amphibian Discovery Room
Fascinating Facts
- The Gila monster is one of the only venomous lizard species in the world.
- Their venom is produced in the lower jaw and chewed into the skin of their predators as a defense.
- While potentially deadly if left untreated, Gila monster venom has important medical applications as well and is the driving factor behind many diabetes-treating drugs.
