Reticulate Gila monster by danapommet
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No AI - This artwork was created entirely by hand or with traditional digital tools.
Description
The Gila monster (pronounced HEE-la), is a species of venomous lizard native to the SW United States and NW Mexican state of Sonora. A heavy, slow-moving lizard, up to 2 feet (60 cm) long, the Gila monster is the only venomous lizard native to the US. Though the Gila monster is venomous, its sluggish nature means that it represents little threat to humans. The hide is covered with unique bead like scales. The Gila monster feeds primarily on bird and reptile eggs, and occasionally upon small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards and insects. The Gila monster eats infrequently (only five to ten times a year), but when it does feed, it may eat up to one-third of its body mass. The Gila monster lacks the musculature to forcibly inject the venom; instead, the venom is propelled from the gland, to the tooth, by chewing. It has a powerful bite that is very difficult dislodge. Some info from Wikipedia. Photo taken February 1996, in the Saguaro National Park, Arizona and scanned.
Thanks for stopping by, taking a look and for all your previous favs and comments.
They are very much appreciated.
Dana

Comments (27)
cool shot of him Dana, he looks like a mean mo fo..
impressive to say the least. Lovely patterns Great capture, Dana
superb!! very beautiful capture!!
Thanks Dana, I was pronouncing it with a G. DOH!
Great shot and some great info especially the pronunciation where I stand one step behind Blinkings.
I like these little people...they're incredibly gorgeous and yeah, their venom-delivering technique amuses me. I don't know why, but I always get the image of the pet-gila monster I don't have, gnawing on someone as I tell them not to worry, he's just teething. This is a fantastic shot. And yeah, these critters are on my top 20 list of "appropriate companions for Chip." I'm weird like that.
Nice little beast, sure to avoid! Great capture , Dana ! Interesting info !
Lovely shot and info Dana. It looks much like a salamander.
Did you know these things are heavy? I actually picked one up, once. Felt like he was made of lead! Oh, they like to be scratched under the chin...but stay away from the heat sensors (like pit vipers). Great photo, Dana!
wewwwww!!!! Amazing capture !!! of this creature!
Very interesting!
Great info, wish I could eat as few times as him :o) Glad he doesn't live here though :o)
I would imagine to an ant he would seem monstrous like...(smile)..lol... Cool Capture Dana!
Ewwww .... In a GOOD way. SMILES. (Didn't one of these bite/chomp on the leg of Cindy Crawford's then hubby?).
I love the texture of his skin...great capture!
Great photoshot.
wonderful capture
Stellar contrast, patterns and textures in this snap of the big handsome dude, Dana. I knew it was native to the Southwest USA and was wondering what it was doing in Florida, unless it was at the zoo. So you captured it on its home turf. Also, very interesting information, I might add.
Very cool looking, excellent capture! :)
~Nice capture!~
beautiful design on this lezard, good capture!
great shot
SWEET CAPTURE
WOW...amazing details here Dana, gorgeous photo!
A very interesting looking lizard with great markings. I haven't seen one like that before so thanks for posting. Not sure I would like to only eat 5-10 times a year like him. Excellent capture.
unless one crawls into your sleeping bag!!super shot for glass
Remarkable work!