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Gila Monsters: 10 Facts That Will Surprise You

The kingdom of reptiles has several fascinating creatures including the Gila monsters, scientifically referred to as Heloderma suspectum. These types of reptiles are associated with living in the drylands including deserts in the southern region of the United States of America and Mexico. However, the Gila monsters are not ordinary lizards because they possess features that make them stand out among all big and small reptiles. Do not be blindfolded by these mammals’ small body size and colorful skin. They are beautiful but deadly to human life because of their venomous nature. They have saliva glands that store enough venom to bite and kill both prey and predators. Apart from their unique appearance and venomous nature, the Gila monsters have several unique characteristics, both physical and biological that help them to survive in their preferred habitats. Gila monsters have a history as they are linked to ancient reptiles that existed hundreds of centuries ago. Scientists have found fascinating facts about these animals that are worth sharing including their special hunting skills, their role in the ecosystem, and their contribution to the world. A little research and delving into the facts about the Gila monsters would help us understand and appreciate their role in the ecosystem and society. We would happily live with these reptiles knowing their strengths and weaknesses. Their internal and external features are important for survival.

The following are ten facts about Gila monsters that will surprise you:

1. Gila Monsters Store their Venom in Highly Modified Saliva Glands

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Although they are small in size, Gila monsters are highly venomous reptiles. They generate and store the venom in the saliva glands and use it when they attack. They release poison in the victim when they bite, leading to bleeding, convulsion, and death if not treated. However, Gila monsters have not been reported to be dangerous to human beings because of their timid nature. They run away from people and would only attack their predators when provoked. However, it is important to note that the Gila monster’ venom is as dangerous as the western diamondback rattlesnakes. The venom has several enzymes and elements that make it very dangerous.

2. The Gila Monsters Venom Contains the Peptide that Simulates Insulin 

The Gila monster has an important component in its venom which was used by researchers to help in treating type 2 diabetes. There is the exendin-4 peptide in the Gila monster venom that helps in slowing down the reptile’s digestion. There is also a similar peptide in humans that is similar to insulin and helps in the production of insulin. Therefore researchers used the venom from this unique lizard to generate Byetta which is an agent that helps diabetic patients to reduce blood sugar.

Also see: 20 Cute Facts About Bearded Dragons

3. The Venomous Lizards can Survive for many Days without a Proper Meal

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Gila monsters are meat-eating reptiles and their main food includes small mammals, insects, and frogs. They also invade bird nests and eat the eggs after scaring away the birds. The Gila monsters have strong teeth which they use to bite and kill prey before feasting. However, they can also eat bigger animals and can consume up to a third of their body in one session. An amazing thing about these reptiles is the fact that they can eat a few times a year. They store a lot of fat in their bodies which enables them to survive for several days without the need to eat.

4. Gila Monsters have a Lifespan of more than Two Decades in the Wild 

Surviving in the wild is not easy for small reptiles such as ordinary lizards but the Gila monsters live for more than twenty years. They can also live for fifteen more years in captivity and zoos because of the absence of danger and availability of food. The oldest Gila monster has been recorded to have lived for more than thirty-six years. Their commercial importance has led to the reduced population of Gila monsters in the world today.

5. An Adult Gila monster Measure over Two Feet Long

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Gila monsters are the biggest lizards alive that weigh up to more than five pounds. These massive lizards are found in southern, western, and central Arizona whereas the rest of the lizards are small in size. A fully grown Gila monster is more than two feet long.

6. The Gila Monsters Spend More than Three-Quarters of Their Lives Underground

Even though Gila monsters have an intimidating demeanor, they are quite vulnerable and cannot stay in every environment as they would have wished. Their preferred climate includes semi-arid regions where there is moderate heat. To maintain the temperature, these lizards spend a bigger part of their lives in burrows and rocky places. These reptiles keep on shifting their environment after every four days to find a suitable climate. They are very active in the morning hours when the environment is warm and run into burrows during the day to escape the day’s heat.

Check out: 25 Fascinating Things To Know About Reptiles

7. The Tail of a Gila monster is Used to Store Fats

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Although Gila monsters can grow up to a length of more than two feet, a quarter of the length is their cylindrical and soft tail. Unlike other typical lizards, the Gila monster’s tail cannot grow again if it is cut off. Therefore the reptile has to be cautious not to lose this important part of its body. The tail is used by the Gila monster to store fats which sustains the reptile when food is scarce. A Gila monster can store the fat in the tail for several years which makes them hunger survivors when there is little food.

8. Male Gila Monsters Engage In Constant Battles to Win Territory 

Male Gila monsters are quite territorial and they fight hard to win cover more grounds which would give them space to breed. During the fights, the male reptiles grab each other tightly using their strong tails and use their claws and teeth to cause harm to the rivals. Once they defeat their rivals, they take over the grounds where they can meet female Gila monsters for mating. These reptile mate for hours and once the female lay eggs, they take up to ten months to hatch young Gila monsters.

9. Gila Monsters have been Misunderstood to be Aggressive Towards Humans

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The appearance and characteristics of Gila monsters would make many people afraid of the reptiles. However, these massive lizards are timid and would never attack human beings or other huge animals unless they are provoked. They run away from any big predators including people and there are almost zero reported cases of Gila monster attacks. In case of an attack, these reptiles give a warning to the potential target by hissing and opening their mouth to reveal their ferocious teeth. Therefore there is no need to run away when you see a Gila monster in your way.

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10. They Have Strong and Impressive Sets of Teeth

Opening the mouth of the Gila monster reveals a well-arranged set of teeth on both the upper and lower jaws. The teeth and small and pointy, used for biting and holding the victims. The canine teeth are majorly for biting because the reptile swallows their food whole. The teeth on the lower jaw are bigger to enable the venom to pass through to the victim while they are holding them. A Gila monster’s bite is serious but not deadly to human beings. Despite being very painful, there is no need to panic or seek medical attention.

To sum up, it is vital to acknowledge that Gila monsters have unique features that make them fascinating reptiles in the woods. These massive lizards have tough-looking skin appearance that makes many people dread them. However, although they are also venomous and can kill some predators, their venom is also important in the science of medicine as it is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Understanding the survival techniques of the Gila monsters help people to preserve them to ensure that they do not become extinct in the ecosystem.