![]() Red Cliffs Desert Reserve/ Cameron Rogan As a diurnal creature, Gila monsters are active during the day, especially in the morning. They move very slowly for a carnivorous animal making them an easy target for predators. They feed primarily on bird and reptile eggs, but may also feed on insects, frogs, and small mammals. The Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. While the venom may cause great pain it is the grip of the lizard's jaw that becomes more distressful. Venom is not injected like that from a snake, it oozes from a gland in the lower jaw into the open wound created by the lizard's sharp teeth. Gila monsters can eat up to one third of their weight in one sitting. Excess energy from their meal is stored in their stout tail which may fluctuate in size as much as 20% as the fat storage is replenished or used. Gila monsters accomplish nearly everything necessary for life within a short 3 month window each year. Female Gila monsters will lay between 2-5 eggs that are buried underground. These eggs will incubate nearly a year before they hatch, making the incubation period for Gila monsters one of the longest of all reptiles. |
Last updated: February 8, 2019