Join us in exploring the fascinating world of the Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum)
Learn about the natural history of one of the world’s only venomous lizards.
Responsible captive care information based on over twenty years of living with amazing Gila monsters.
Breeding and captive propagation information available here based on personal success and info available.
With all the excitement of breeding season coming to an end, the only thing to do now is leave the eggs alone and wait until a very distant Halloween arrives. Though I do check on the eggs every day (making sure phorid flies have not gotten into the boxes and oxygen exchange is taking place) … Continue reading The long wait until Halloween..
Over the past few years successfully breeding Gila monsters I have seen an interesting behavior that is fascinating; nest box guarding! Each year after laying eggs my females back fill the nest boxes and then vigorously defend the nest. I cannot re-connect the cages with the males for at least a month after oviposition! The … Continue reading Gila monster nest guarding
Yesterday one of our females laid her first egg of the 2026 Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) breeding season, followed up by two more females laying today! There are still more to come but the excitement is growing! So far only three slugs out of 13 eggs, but I do expect a few others to turn … Continue reading Egg Day 2026!
The pre egg-laying shed (what I calls PELS) is a sure signthings are progressing reproductively inside the female. This shed is different from any other – the pieces come off in large bits whereas it is usually small chunks over a period of 10 days or so during a regular shed. I ultrasound every few … Continue reading PELS bells! It’s almost time for Gila monster eggs!
Goatsby's Place 