It is named for the Gila River Basin of the southwestern United States. Most of the Gila Monster's teeth have two grooves that conduct the venom, a nerve toxin, from glands in the lower jaw. The toxin is not injected like that of the snake, but flows into the wound as the lizard chews on its victim. While the bite can overpower predators and prey, it is rarely fatal to humans. Adults are mottled and blotched.
Adults have a broad double crossband.