"Around 20 inches long. Live up to 40 years. [[[contradicts the vet guy, who says 22 inch and 20 years.]]] ....
Gila monsters spend more than 90 percent of their lives below ground, which makes them difficult for scientists to research. However, some radiotracking work has revealed that the animals will, on occasion, travel more than a mile at a time in search of food or possibly mates.While the species is often described as strictly nocturnal, above-ground sightings during the day do also occur....Gila monsters are native to the American Southwest and Northwestern Mexico. They inhabit dry areas, such as the Mojave, Sonoran, and Chihuahuan deserts.
...
Favorite Gila monster foods include bird, tortoise, and snake eggs, as well as newborn bunnies and ground squirrels. Sometimes, the lizards will even climb tall cacti [[[my note: just say catuses, we are speaking English y'all]]] in search of bird nests and the tasty treats they contain.
In between feedings, which can be extremely infrequent, Gila monsters survive on fat stored inside their tails....
Interestingly, Gila monsters appear to use their venom almost exclusively for defensive purposes. This is because their favorite foods—bird, tortoise, and snake eggs—can’t fight back....
Juveniles are almost never spotted in the wild."
Both species are venomous. In the venom glands, which are located in the lower jaw, the serous, venom-producing compartments are separate from the mucus-producing compartments and each venom compartment is encapsulated and has a well-defined central lumen. Some of the posterior compartments are fused and the total number is reduced to six. It was once thought that there was only a single venom duct in H. horridum and several in H. suspectum (Weinstein et al., 2009), but studies by Fry et al. (2010) suggest that there are six ducts in both species. The teeth of Heloderma possess longitudinal grooves. In the absence of musculature for venom injection, the prey is grasped for some time and secretion from the glands is stimulated by repeated biting movements of the jaws. The venom migrates along the grooves in the teeth by capillarity and enters the prey. The venom in both species contains a large number of bioactive molecules, such as hyaluronidase, phospholipase A, serotonin, and kallikreins, that can have a wide variety of hemotoxic or neurotoxic effects (Fry et al., 2012). In view of the rather inefficient venom delivery system, it has often been thought that the main role of the venom is for defense. However, bites by these lizards can produce marked clinical effects in humans, so it cannot be excluded that they play a useful role in predation.
Gila monsters, which can reach 55 cm [21.65 in] in length, are smaller than Mexican beaded lizards, which can grow up to 1 m [39.37in] in length and weigh up to 2 kg (Cantrell, 2003; Peterson, 2004). "
The Beaded Lizard is slightly larger than the Gila Monster, reaching lengths of up to 30 inches. It has a more elongated body and a narrower head compared to the Gila Monster. The Beaded Lizard also has more pronounced beaded scales on its back, giving it a rougher texture."
"On the other hand, the Gila Monster is shorter and stockier, reaching lengths of around 22 inches. It has a broader head and a shorter, stubbier tail compared to the Beaded Lizard. The Gila Monster’s scales are less pronounced and have a smoother appearance compared to the Beaded Lizard."
"Habitat:
Beaded Lizards and Gila Monsters are both found in arid regions of North and Central America, including the southwestern United States and Mexico. They prefer rocky, desert habitats with plenty of hiding spots and burrows to escape the heat of the day. These lizards are well-adapted to their harsh environment, with thick skin and a high tolerance for extreme temperatures.
One interesting trend related to their habitat is their ability to survive in dry conditions. Beaded Lizards and Gila Monsters are able to go long periods without water, relying on the moisture from their food to stay hydrated. This adaptation allows them to thrive in the arid deserts where they make their homes."
Mexican Beaded Lizard Vs. Gila Monster: Combat Behavior
When it comes to combat behavior, the Gila Monster and Mexican Beaded Lizard are quite different. The Gila Monster is infamous for its aggressive nature, relying on its strong jaw muscles and sharp teeth to protect itself from predators. It may also use a striking motion with its tail to ward off potential attackers.
On the other hand, Mexican Beaded Lizards prefer more subtle defensive techniques like playing dead or displaying their bright coloring as a way of scaring away predators. They usually rely on camouflage or hiding in burrows rather than physical confrontations when threatened."
https://a-z-animals.com/blog/mexican-beaded-lizard-vs-gila-monster-what-are-the-differences/
King Gizzard and the Lizard Wizard's Gila Monster lyrics - loooove this metal song. Remember, they are never ever serious... the lyrics make that obvious.
Anon, a giant monster roams
Creature of magic, not of home
He didst gobble each hag he found
Screams didst echo, a chilling sound
With every wiccan he will devour, he'll grow in strength, in size and power
Until one day upon his back, he'll sprout wings
A fearsome pack
With each meal Gila grows more
A biblical beast of ancient lore
With fire in belly
Flames in eyes
The beast rise to the highest skies
So beware, ye witches fair, lest thee be spied by dragon-glare
It'll show not mercy, it is said, but devour thee and leave thee for dead
Gila, gila, gila..
Monster
I'm the gila
Blood spiller
Witch killer
Gila, gila
I'm the gila
Card dealer
Fate sealer
Gila, gila
I'm the gila
Blood spiller
Witch killer
gila gila
I'm the gila
Godzilla guerilla
Diamondback climbing walls
Puncture wounds
Torn and mauled
Raging monster
Witch brawl
Backlash
Battlecry
Curveball
Pushed and probed to the edge
No sense of forgiveness
I'm the gila
The blood spiller
The witch killer
I'm the gila
Gila, gila, gila..
Monster
Turncoat projectile
Idiot reptile
Born in the whirlwind
Feral wonderkind
Petty feline summoned anew
Once was slave
Master of you
Abomination
Hallucination
Revenging sinner
Witches for dinner
I'm the gila
The card dealer
The fate sealer
I'm the gila
I'm the gila
Blood spiller
Witch killer
Gila, gila
I'm the gila
Card dealer
Fate sealer
Gila, gila
I'm the gila
Blood spiller
Witch killer
gila gila
I'm the gila
Godzilla guerilla
Growing immensely and vastly in size
Summoned from the wicca to their demise
Sprouting wings
Demonic features
Horny for bloodlust
Lord of pagan creatures
Blacker than space
Its eyes are distant suns
Devouring its disciples like mischievous sons
In the forest of my mind runs a torrent of fire
The real me beneath the liar
I bide my time to don my crown
Tasered bull
Gore the clown
Compared to me, a pulsar is a lighter flame
Compared to mine, their wicca is a mere child's game
Gila, gila, gila..
Monster
My eyes feel like they're made of light
Boötes void would be made bright
I will blind you in the hadal zone
Emperor of the abyss below
Annihilation of planet earth and the beginning of merciless damnation
Oh, regret, what a cloud of dread
With the cold hand of death ahead
Oh, desperation, what a mind killer
All hail, king Gila
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