I've working now on a second volume of lizard species and this, as did the gecko, really tests the limits of my model mesh and rigging. I'm pretty pleased with the results. About the Gila Monster... This species is the largest extant lizard native to North America north of the Mexican border measuring 51-56 cm (20-22 in) in total length. Body mass is typically in the range of 350-700 g (0.77-1.54 lb) with the largest specimens weighing as much as 2,300 g (5.1 lb). It is the only venomous lizard native to the United States and one of only two known species of venomous lizards in North America. The Gila monster's bite is not fatal to healthy adult humans. No reports of fatalities have been confirmed since 1939. The venom is similar to that of a coral snake, in a much smaller dose. The Gila monster can bite quickly (especially by swinging its head sideways) and hold on with a vise-like grip. Symptoms of the bite include excruciating pain, edema, and weakness associated with a rapid drop in blood pressure. It is found in the Southwestern United States and Mexico, a range including Sonora, Arizona, parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and New Mexico (potentially including Baja California). They inhabit scrubland, succulent desert, and oak woodland, seeking shelter in burrows, thickets, and under rocks in locations with ready access to moisture. They avoid living in open areas such as flats and farmland. Gila monsters spend 90% of their time underground in burrows or rocky shelters. The Gila monster emerges from hibernation in January or February and mates in May and June. The Gila monster eats small birds, mammals, frogs, lizards, insects, and carrion. It feeds primarily on bird and reptile eggs, and eats infrequently, five to ten times a year in the wild. When it does feed, it may eat up to one-third of its body mass. It uses its extremely acute sense of smell to locate prey, especially eggs. The saliva of Gila Monster has produced many medical breakthroughs... a synthetic version of a protein, exendin-4, derived from the Gila monster's saliva is used to control Type 2 Diabetes. Several companies have been researching the abilities of this chemical to help memory loss due to various diseases such as Alzheimer’s disease, schizophrenia, and ADHD. Gilatide, derived from exendin-4, has been shown to dramatically heighten memory in a study with mice. Habitat destruction has adversely affected Gila monster numbers. In 1952, they became the first venomous animal to be given legal protection. Rendered in Poser without postwork. Models include Rocky Flat (FirstBastion/with my textures), Rocks (RDNA) and Gila Monster (me)