Gila Monster--A Desert Beauty

Photo by reptilesofaz.org

Desert dwellers are often sand-colored for camouflage, but not the Gila Monster.  This large reptile is one of only two venomous lizards and both are only found in the Southwest or Mexico.   This guy is slow moving, and only spends a total of about three weeks a year active above ground.  Though poisonous, he only uses it for defensive purpose, usually hissing and backing away from challengers.  When he does attack, he releases venom through grooves in his teeth as he locks on to his prey for secure delivery.  He poses very little threat to humans, and even if a human is bit, it is not fatal.  The Gila Monster's diet consists of mainly eggs and occasional helpless creatures such as nestlings.  Five meals a year can satisfy him, as he stores fat in his tail and has a very slow metabolism.  His bright orange and black design provides the perfect Halloween disguise, but won't allow him to hide in the rocks.  Gila Monsters are considered "Near threatened," meaning it is illegal in Arizona to harm one or capture one.