Gila Monster: Facts & Folklore Of Americas Aztec Lizard

Description

With the possible exception of the vampire bat, no North American animal has been the source of more superstitions, the subject of as many legends, or the object of more exaggerated claims than the Gila monster (HELODERMA SUSPECTUM). Not only is the Gila monster America's largest and only poisonous lizard, it is our slowest moving saurian, the only reptile having an armored hide, and the only lizard with a forked tongue like a snake's. No biologist has yet discovered a Gila monster nest or observed a Gila monster hatching in the wild. Add to these phenomena the fact that more than 99% of the Gila monster's life is spent out of sight below the surface of the ground, and you have the makings for a very mysterious creature indeed. Authors David Brown and Neil Carmony have examined the available literature to write a very readable account of the lizard's natural history, including descriptions, fossil records, distribution, temperature and moisture regulation, reproduction, longevity, predators, and population status. They also document its relationship to humans and folklore; its venom; bites of humans and other animals; and bite. The lore of the Southwest is replete with wild claims and fantastic stories about Gila monsters, selections of which introduce and enliven many subsections of the book. The authors then proceed to dispel such myths with accurate, well-researched discussions of the scientific data. This entertaining and informative volume will be enjoyed by anyone interested in reptiles, the Southwest, or the lore of desert creatures.