Scientific name : Heloderma suspectum
Family : Helodermatidae
Native to : United states
Interesting fact : The venom of the gila monster has been approved by the FDA to be used in a drug to treat type 2 diabetes.
Conservation status : Near Threatened
The gila monster is one of two species of venomous lizards. They are black with pink markings. Their venom is as toxic as the diamond-back rattlesnake but its bite only injects a small amount of venom. Their fat tails can store fat and let them go without food for months inside burrows. They feed on birds, frogs and insects.
