What is the scientific name of the Gila monster?

The scientific name of the Gila monster is Heloderma suspectum. It is a venomous lizard native to the deserts and dry regions of the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico.

The genus name Heloderma means “studded skin,” referring to the small, bony osteoderms embedded in the lizard’s bead-like scales. The species epithet suspectum means “suspected.” Paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope chose it because he suspected the animal was venomous after examining grooves in its teeth, although the lizard was initially confused with a northern form of the Mexican beaded lizard.

The common name “Gila monster” comes from the Gila River Basin of Arizona and New Mexico, where the species was once especially common. Despite its fearsome reputation, it is slow-moving and rarely threatens people. It spends much of its life sheltered underground and can store substantial fat reserves in its tail, helping it survive long periods between meals.

The Gila monster is often confused with Heloderma horridum, the beaded lizard. That is a different species, found farther south in Mexico and Central America. The Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the United States.