Gila monster Gila monster The Gila monster ("Heloderma suspectum", ) is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexican state of Sonora. A heavy, typically slow-moving lizard, up to long, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America, the other being its close relative, the Mexican beaded lizard ("H. horridum"). Although the Gila monster is venomous, its sluggish nature means it represents little threat to humans. However, it has acquired a fearsome reputation, and is sometimes killed despite
Mexican Plateau horned lizard Mexican Plateau horned lizard The Mexican Plateau horned lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare) is a species of horned lizard. It is also known as the Chihuahua Desert horned lizard. The specific epithet, "orbiculare", comes from the Latin adjective "orbis", meaning "circular". "Phrynosoma orbiculare" has a characteristic single row of lateral abdominal fringe scales. This "horned toad" also has two short occipital horns. "P. orbiculare" is found only in the high plateau country of central Mexico. Specifically, it is found in the states of Chihuahua, Durango, and Nuevo León. Its range continues southeast through Morelos, Puebla and Veracruz. "P. orbiculare" occurs in a