What Are the Different Types of Desert Lizard?
Lizards are a fascinating family of reptiles that make their homes in widely varying ecosystems around the globe. Desert lizards occupy some of the harshest regions on earth, nonetheless thriving in lands with pitiless sun and few food sources. There are many different kinds of desert lizards, each with their own special ways of surviving amid the sun and sand. The Gila monster is a hearty breed of desert lizard, known as one of only two venomous species in the world. Occupying the vast deserts of Mexico and the western United States, the Gila grows to an impressive 2 ft (.6 m) in length and is recognizable for its brilliant mottled and banded coloring. Like many lizards, the Gila monster tends to burrow or hide during the day to avoid the worst of the sun. At night, this formidable predator hunts rodents, birds, and smaller lizards. Its venom-filled bite, though dangerous to small creatures, is not usually fatal for humans.
