The Gila Monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a small North American reptile featured in the standard edition of Planet Zoo.
Zoopedia Description[]
General[]
Population in the Wild: Unknown
The Gila monster (or Heloderma suspectum) is a large species of venomous lizard native to the arid regions of the Southern United States and Northern Mexico. It has orange and black scales arranged in a banded and reticulated pattern, measures 20in to24in long, and weighs between 12.25oz and 24.5oz. The Gila monster has a very keen sense of smell that it uses for hunting, and can often be seen scenting the air by flicking its tongue in and out of its mouth. The species is near threatened, often killed by humans out of fear, despite the fact it is too slow moving for it to be a serious threat to people.
Social[]
Gila monsters are solitary animals and only interact to mate and compete over mates.
Reproduction[]
During the mating season, male Gila monsters will track down females by scent. If he encounters one, he will attempt to climb on top of her; if she allows it, the two will mate, however she may reject this by biting him. Approximately 2 months later, the female will dig a shallow nest in the sand and lay a clutch of 2 to 12 eggs, covering them over and leaving them to hatch 9 months later. The young become fully grown Gila monsters after a period of between 3 and 5 years.
Animal Care[]
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Trivia[]
Zoopedia Fun Facts[]
- The Gila monster cannot inject venom like a snake. Instead, it administers venom by bitting hard and chewing, aiming to put venom-laced saliva in the wound.
- In the wild, Gila monster only eats 5 to 10 times a year, and it spends the winter hibernating.
- The Gila monster's venom is not deadly, but its bite is said to be one of the most painful.
- A derivative of the Gila monster's venom is used in treating Type-2 diabetes.
- Gila monster venom is being researched for potential uses in treating Alzheimer's disease.