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 wide range of primary (dry scrubland, pine-oak forest, oak forest, juniper forest) and secondary habitats (agricultural land, and agave and "Opuntia" fields). Five subspecies of "P. orbiculare" are recognized as being valid, including the nominotypical subspecies. "Nota bene": A trinomial authority in parentheses indicates that the subspecies was originally described in a genus other than "Phrynosoma". The subspecific name, "cortezii", is in honor of Spanish "conquistador" Hernán Cortés. The subspecific name, "dugesii", is in honor of French-born Mexican naturalist Alfredo Dugès, who is considered the "father" of Mexican herpetology. Mexican Plateau horned lizard The Mexican Plateau horned lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare)