#heloderm

The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is one of two species of venomous lizards in North America, the other being the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum). Both lizards display orange and black warning colors usually associated with toxicity. Recent research on their venom shows that it may be mainly used in defense rather than attacks on prey.

Unlike venomous snakes, Gila monsters' venom is delivered from the bottom jaw through grooved teeth. The muscles around the venom glands are weak, and a chewing motion is required for venom flow. A bite from a Gila monster causes swelling, pain, fatigue and weakness, but rarely death in humans. Alteration of venom proteins have led to medications for type-2 diabetes as well as the inhibiting of lung cancer cell growth.

Gila monsters feed primarily on baby mammals, birds, and eggs. They eat 5-10 times a year on average, and can consume up to a third of their weight at a time.