Large Lizards That Live in America

The large lizard that lives in America is Crazy monster lizard (Heloderma suspum)

Detailed discussion of American lizards

Crazy monster lizard (Heloderma suspum) is a species of venomous lizard native to the southwestern United States and the state of Sonora in northwestern Mexico.  

The name "Crazy" refers in the Gila River Valley in the US states of New Mexico and Arizona, where these lizards are common.

The slow-moving Gila monster lizard is the only venomous lizard native to the United States. This species has a close relative, the Mexican beaded lizard (Heloderma horridum).  

This lizard can reach a length of up to 60 cm. Lizard body weight usually varies from 350 to 700 g and large specimens can weigh up to 2.3 kg. Although Gila monsters are venomous, their slow-moving nature makes them less of a threat to humans.

In the United States, this lizard can be found in the states of California, Nevada, Utah and New Mexico. In 2019, the state of Utah made the Gila monster the official state reptile.

Crazy monster lizard, which lives in desert and arid areas, 90% spends its time underground in burrows or rocky shelters. These lizards are active in the morning.  

Animals mainly eat bird eggs and small reptiles. This lizard has a slow metabolism and rarely eats (only five to ten times a year). In time, these lizards became prey for coyotes and birds of prey such as eagles.

Question Details

Class: VII  

Subjects: Biology          

Material: Chapter 3 – Classification of Living Things

Keywords: Crazy Monster Lizard