| Reptiles |
Southern Reticulated Gila Monster
Heloderma suspectum suspectum
| Conservation Status: Threatened - Protected
- © A.Reitsma. Aquarium of the Pacific
- Gila monster at Los Angeles County's Natural History Museum
The Gila monster is the largest of the lizards found in the United States. It received its name from the Gila River Basin where it was first found. Unique in appearance and habits it is well adapted to its preferred habitats of desert lowlands and foothills. It is venomous with toxicity similar to that of the diamondback rattlesnake, but because of limited ability to inject its venom, it is not as dangerous and its bite is not considered lethal. Populations are declining and the species is protected in all areas of its distribution.
Facts and Features
- Geographic Distribution
Sonoran, Mojave, and Chihuahuan deserts including southwest Utah, southwest New Mexico, southern Nevada, the southeastern tip of California, and northern Mexico.
- Amazing Facts
In 2005 the U. S. Food and Drug Administration gave final approval for the use of a new drug called Byetta™ for treatment of individuals with Type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient of the medication, called exendin-4, is a hormone fraction of Gila monster venom and acts on the digestive system to help regulate blood sugar levels. Fortunately for the Gila monsters researchers have been able to synthesize the material that occurs in a natural state in the animals.
- At the Aquarium
These amphibians are not on exhibit. Information about Gila monsters is included in the Ocean Learning Center for use as a reference.