Observe and photograph a species in its natural habitat
Learn where and when to observe a species in the wild, how to recognize it in the field, and what habitats it lives in. Get photography tips adapted to its behavior and capture stunning images without disturbing the animal. For full details, open the complete profile in the WildlifePhotographer app.
Gila monster
Scientific name: Heloderma suspectum
IUCN Status: Near Threatened
Family: HELODERMATIDAE
Group: Reptiles
Shyness: Very shy
Safe distance: 10 m
Breeding season / Courtship: 01.04-30.06
Gestation: 120 à 150 jours
Births: 15.10-31.10
Habitat:
Scrubland, succulent desert, and oak woodland
Description:
The Gila monster is a large venomous lizard, reaching 30–56 cm in length, with a robust body and bead-like scales patterned in yellow, pink, and black. Native to the deserts of the Southwestern United States and northern Mexico, it inhabits scrubland, succulent desert, and oak woodland, feeding mainly on small mammals, birds, and eggs. As the breeding season (April to June) approaches, males become territorial and exhibit dominance displays by lifting their bodies and bobbing their heads before mating.
Recommended lens:
>=300 mm
Photography tips:
Photograph the Gila monster from a distance using a telephoto lens of ≥300 mm at dawn or dusk, positioning low to isolate its coloured body. Use a fast shutter speed and shallow depth of field, and remain silent to avoid startling it.
Ready to take action?
Choose your platform and start your free trial today
