Gila Monster

Scientific Name: Heloderma suspectum
Category: Reptile
Habitat: Sonoran Desert, rocky foothills
Active: Mostly spring and early summer

Overview:
The Gila monster is one of the few venomous lizards in the world. Slow-moving and heavily armored, it relies on stored fat reserves rather than speed to survive harsh desert conditions.

Diet:
Bird eggs, small mammals, reptiles, carrion.

Adaptations:

• Venom for defense and prey control

• Fat stored in tail for long periods without food

• Spends much of life underground to avoid heat

Ecosystem Role:
Acts as both predator and scavenger, contributing to population control and nutrient recycling.

DESERT° Notes:
The Gila monster reminds us that survival isn’t always about speed — sometimes it’s about endurance.