Gila Monster
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. 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 Gila monster measures 51cm to 60cm long, and weighs between 0.35kg and 0.7kg, making it the largest lizard native to the United States.
Heloderma suspectum
Exhibit needs
- Exhibit types
- Box, Cylinder, Box large, Cylinder large, Box large angled
- Terrain
- Desert
- Temperature
- 24–32 °C (variance 5 °C below, 5 °C above)
- Humidity
- 15–25% (variance 5 below, 5 above)
- Food
- Fruit and vegetables
- Litter
- 1–2
- Overpopulation at
- 4 (extreme 8)
- Breeds in
- Summer
Overview
- Scientific name
- Heloderma suspectum
- Class
- Reptilia
- Conservation status
- Near Threatened
- Enclosure
- Exhibit
- Temperature
- 24 °C – 32 °C
- Humidity
- 15% – 25%
- Lifespan
- 20 yr – 30 yr
- Content
- Base game