California
Heloderma suspectum  John H. Tashjian, California Academy of Sciences | |
| Type of Animal: | Reptiles |
|---|---|
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Family: | Helodermatidae |
| Federal Status: | BLM Sensitive |
| State Status: | |
| Occurrence: | |
| Habitat: | Desert Scrub,Oak Woodland,Mountains,Canyons |
| Description: | Gila monsters are the only venomous lizards in California. They are large, stocky lizards with short arms and legs. These lizards range from one and a half to two feet long! The head and back have bead-like scales, similar to corn on the cob. They have blotches of black, yellow, orange, or pink. The face is always black. These amazing creatures are uncommon in California. Gila monsters prefer to live in moist canyons, arroyos, or washes. In California, they are active at night in spring, summer, and fall. In other states they may be active year-round. Gila monsters prey on lizards, small mammals, birds, and bird and reptile eggs. The venom is only used to kill large prey. The poison flows into the open wound of the victim, unlike snakes that actually inject the poison into the victim. The venom is not generally deadly to humans, but it does cause extreme pain. Gila monsters also have a very strong bite and they do not let go easily. For this reason, Gila monsters should not be taunted, touched, or threatened by humans. Gila monsters mate during the summer, and females lay between three and five eggs in the fall. Eggs are laid in ground nests and must have exposure to both the sun and moisture. The eggs hatch about one month after being laid. Humans are the main predator of this species. They are considered to be prized possessions because of their rarity and difficulty to catch. Unfortunately, Gila monsters are experiencing a decline in the already small population. |
| Effort: | |
| References: | Behler et al. 1979. National Audubon Society Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians. Stebbins 1985. Peterson Field Guide to Western Reptiles and Amphibians, Second Edition. Zeiner et al. (editors). 1988. California’s Wildlife, Volume I, Amphibians and Reptiles. |
| Other Sites: | http://www.blm.gov/ca/st/en/prog/wildlife/watchable/wf_endanger.html |
| Field Office(s): | Barstow; Palm Springs |