The only poisonous lizard in the United States. A large heavy bodied lizard with black and orange, or pink 'bead-like' scales. The gila monster kills its prey by chewing and grinding with powerful jaws that allow its venom to run down grooves on its rear teeth. Observed on rocky bajadas. A heavy bodied snake.
Scales are smooth and shiny with a slaty, beige or rosy color.
The snakes prefer the creosote bush flats where they feed on small lizards. Closely related to the spotted leaf-nosed snake, this snake occupies the rocky areas of the desert between the valley floor and the mountains. Closely associated with stands of saguaro cactus and palo verde vegetation belts. It often uses rodent burrows under creosote bushes for hiding. Coachwhips are swift, aggressive, and may attempt to bite if caught.