Datasheet Gila Monster
Latin name:
Heloderma suspectum
Origin:
Southwest North America, Mexico
Size:
50 to 0 centimeters
Behave
Behave:
diurnal
Lining:
Eggs, other reptiles, mice, small rats, day-old chicks
Groups vs. individual housing:
group husbandry
Life expectancy:
20 to 35 years
Difficulty level:
very demanding Theo Kruse / Burgers’ Zoo, Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum), CC BY-SA 4.0
The Gila Monster is native to the southern United States and Mexico. The reptile is 50 to 70 centimeters long and has a strong build. His skin falls through one drawing in the colors pink, yellow and black.
The diurnal animal is adapted to the conditions of hot and dry regions. It feeds mainly on eggs, but also on young birds and small mammals such as rats and mice.
The Gila Monster is highly toxic. However, she does not use her poison for hunting, only for defense. In the following you will learn more about the characteristics and keeping conditions of the Gila beaded lizard.
acquisition and maintenance
The private keeping of Gila beaded lizards is generally permissible, but should only be considered by experienced experts. The size and the living conditions of the animal require a spacious and well equipped terrarium.
You need powerful radiant heaters to create the right climatic conditions. It should also be noted that the Gila beaded lizard is highly poisonous. It must therefore not be kept outside of closed terrariums.
To make matters worse, the Gila beaded lizards prefer groups to individuals.
requirements for the terrarium
For one or more Gila beaded lizards, you need a spacious terrarium that should be at least two meters long and two meters high. It should Climbing and hiding places offer.
Central American plants should be present next to a pool of water. Since the animals live in desert-like conditions in the wild, you need powerful UVB radiant heater with around 100 watts to get the right one terrarium temperature to create.
The temperature must be at least between 22 and 32 degrees. Between November and March, the temperature should be lowered to 13 degrees to give the lizards the opportunity to hibernate.
gender differences
The gender differences can best be recognized in the Gila beaded lizards by the shape and markings of the tail. The male’s tail is cylindrical and slightly dented. It tapers evenly to the tip of the tail.
The females, on the other hand, have an elongated and indented tail. From the end of the dent, the tail tapers to the tip.
feed and nutrition
In the wild, Gila beaded lizards feed primarily on eggs. Small birds, rodents and other reptiles are also on the menu.
In captivity, the lizards are fed mainly on minced meat, chicken eggs and dead rats and mice.
acclimatization and handling
Gila beaded lizards must be handled with great care because they are poisonous animals acts. When donating the feed and when touching the animals, absorbent and lined leather gloves should be worn.
A high amount of poison can be fatal to humans. However, no such accidents have been reported so far. Properly cared for, Gila beaded lizards can live up to 35 years.
A suitable one is important floor equipment the terrarium with sand, sawdust, chaff and similar materials. Large amounts of sand are preferable as the animals like to dig. Sandstone to rub off the claws should be just as little missing as a shelter.
Other questions
Is it possible to breed Gila beaded lizards?
The offspring of Gila beaded lizards in captivity is possible if the right environmental conditions are provided in the terrarium.
Are Gila Monsters Poisonous?
Gila beaded lizards are among those poisonous lizards. In contrast to the Komodo dragon, however, they only use their poison for defense and not for hunting. A high amount of poison is deadly for humans, since an antidote is not yet known.
Therefore, care should be taken when handling Gila beaded lizards. In any case, bite-resistant and absorbent gloves should be worn.
What should the floor of the terrarium be like?
For Gila beaded lizards it is recommended to cover the bottom of the terrarium with a 10 centimeter thick layer of sand to fill up.