Heloderma suspectum (MSB:Herp:58463)

3D Model

A charismatic North American reptile, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United Sates. Its orange and black beaded appearance gave inspiration for the Genus name Heloderma - “studded skin”. Beneath each bump is an osteoderm - small bone within the skin - forming an armor that covers most of the body. Once a common lizard in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico, it is now threatened due to habbitat loss.

References:

• Animal Diversity Web
• MSB:Herp:58463 (Division of Amphibians and Reptiles, Museum of Southwestern Biology, University of New Mexico)