~Gila Monster~

~Heloderma suspectum cinetum~

Gila is pronounced - HEE-la.

The Banded Gila Monster is very shy
but can strike back very quickly,
with painful results.
It is one of two poisonous lizard in the world.
Their patterns are really amazing
because their colors send out a warning
to any predators that they are poisonous.
It can get to be 2 feet long,
and can weigh up to 3 pounds.
This one is a little more than a foot long.
It has very strong jaws
and venom that can be released
through its bottom teeth.
The Gila Monsters venom
is about as strong as a Diamondback Rattlesnake.
Usually its bite is not fatal because
of the small amount of venom it injects.
When it bites it will grind its teeth releasing its venom.
Its difficult to get it to release its jaws
because they are very strong.
The best way to get it to let go
is to hold it under hot water.

Beautiful but unnervingly creepy!


Thanks and be careful!


By the way I back-blipped yesterdays image,
if you would like a look!