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Heloderma (Gila monster)
A large poisonous lizard, one of the two venomous lizard species of the world. Adults are 18-24 inches in length, weighing 3-5 pounds. Hatchlings are about 6 inches in length. Growth rate the Gila Monster is slow. Life Span: 20-30 years
Epidemiology:
1) found in Mojave, Sonoran & Chihuahuan deserts
- Arizona
- southwestern New Mexico
- northwestern Mexico
- southwestern Utah
- southern tip of Nevada
- southeastern California
2) eats infrequently, maybe twice a year Venom is a nerve toxin, from glands in the lower jaw. The toxin is not injected like that of a snake, but flows into the wound as the lizard chews on its victim. A bite is rarely fatal to humans. Extendins found in saliva enhance utilization of blood glucose. Exenatide (extendin-4) marketed as hypoglycemic agent.
General
reptile
Properties
KINGDOM: animal
PHYLUM: chordate
SUBPHYLUM: vertebrate
ORGANISM-CLASS: REPTILIA
GENUS: Heloderma
References
- Stedman's Medical Dictionary 27th ed, Williams &
Wilkins, Baltimore, 1999.
- http://www.gila-monster.org/
- http://www.desertusa.com/sep97/du_gilamonster.html