Gila monster  (Heloderma suspectum)

The Gila monster is the largest lizard in the United States (3), and one of only two species of venomous lizard in the world (4). It has a stocky body with a large head and a short, fat tail (5). The skin consists of many round, bony scales, a feature that was common amongst the dinosaurs but is unusual in today's reptiles (3). Gila monsters have a striking bright pink and black colouration (5) and the two subspecies can be distinguished by their different patterns; the banded Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum cinctum) has a band of light markings along the back whilst in the reticulated Gila monster (H. s. suspectum) these light marks are joined in a network (3). With their venomous bite and elusive nature, these lizards have inspired many myths over the centuries (3).