Gila monster

A small group of nest predators that contains venomous lizards

Andrew DuBois

The genus Heloderma contains the well-known Gila monster and four species of beaded lizards. While most of these lizards make their homes in the desert, beaded lizards need higher humidity than other desert reptiles.

They are usually lazy and sluggish, but they are able to move rapidly when provoked. They also produce a hissing sound to warn off intruders.

These lizards play a pivotal role in the desert ecology in the areas of their habitat. By feeding on the eggs or young of small desert inhabitants, beaded lizards help control their populations. Conservation status varies with each species in this genus.

Distribution

Country
Population est.
Status
Year
Comments
Mexico
2007
United States
2007

Anything we've missed?

Help us improve this page by suggesting edits. Glory never dies!

Suggest an edit

Get to know me

Terrestrial / Aquatic

Altricial / Precocial

Polygamous / Monogamous

Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic

Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal

Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd

Diet: Carnivore / Herbivore / Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore

Migratory: Yes / No

Domesticated: Yes / No

Dangerous: Yes / No