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Heloderma suspectum
This is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. A heavy, slow-moving lizard, up to 60 cm (2 ft) long, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America, the other being its close relative, the Mexican beaded lizard (H. horridum). Though the Gila monster is venomous, its sluggish nature means that it represents little threat to humans. However, it has earned a fearsome reputation and is sometimes killed despite being protected by state law in Arizona.
Seen in a hilly nature area outside Phoenix.
I wish I had seen it before it was already moving away so I could have gotten a good shot of its head, but I was pleased to have seen it anyhow.
Spotted on Apr 10, 2009
Submitted on Jun 6, 2013
2 Comments
Great spotting! I've always wanted to see one of these. My grandparents lived in Mesa, so I always hoped to see one when I visited. As I recall, Gila monsters don't inject venom the way a rattlesnake does. Instead, the venom is mixed with its saliva, and the lizard essentially has to "chew" it into its prey. The jaws are supposed to be quite formidable; once they latch on, it's extremely difficult to make them let go.
Cool spotting!