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Gila monster

Heloderma suspectum

Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum)Near threatened

Photo: Josh Olander · CC BY 4.0

Reptilecarnivore

The Gila monster is the largest lizard in the United States, known for its venomous bite. Found in the deserts of the Southwest U.S. and northern Mexico, it moves slowly and spends much of its time hidden. Despite its fearsome reputation, it rarely poses a threat to humans.

  • It can grow up to 22 inches long.
  • It is the only venomous lizard native to the United States.
  • It is protected by state law in Arizona.
DesertNorth America
Read more on Wikipedia

At a glance

Classification
Reptile
Scientific name
Heloderma suspectum
Habitat
Desert
Regions in this directory
North America
Diet
carnivore
Relative size
large
IUCN Red List
Near Threatened (NT)
Look up the latest IUCN assessment

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