Eric Gofreed
Well-Known Member
One of only two venomous lizards in North America (the other is in Mexico), the Gila Monster lumbers through the Southwest like it owns the desert, which it kind of does.
It doesn’t strike—it gnaws to inject venom. Yes, chews. Slowly. It spends most of its time underground, emerging to snack on eggs, hatchlings, and the occasional unlucky rodent. I photographed this one drinking at a pond and then strolling off like it had a reservation somewhere cooler. It never rushed. Why would it? Legends don’t run.
The Gila Monster’s tongue is blue-black, possibly for camouflage or just to complete the look of “lizard that should not be licked.” Giraffes also have blue tongues—but for a much more practical reason: they eat for up to 12 hours a day, and the dark pigment (rich in melanin) helps prevent sunburn. Interestingly, the back half of the tongue—tucked safely inside the mouth—is pink.
The Gila’s tongue is midnight blue
Because pink just wouldn’t do.
Gila Monster refreshment break—because venomous lizards get thirsty too. That tongue? Midnight blue, forked, and surprisingly stylish.
His tongue is blue, his walk is slow,
But he’s the boss of the desert, don’t you know?
It doesn’t strike—it gnaws to inject venom. Yes, chews. Slowly. It spends most of its time underground, emerging to snack on eggs, hatchlings, and the occasional unlucky rodent. I photographed this one drinking at a pond and then strolling off like it had a reservation somewhere cooler. It never rushed. Why would it? Legends don’t run.
The Gila Monster’s tongue is blue-black, possibly for camouflage or just to complete the look of “lizard that should not be licked.” Giraffes also have blue tongues—but for a much more practical reason: they eat for up to 12 hours a day, and the dark pigment (rich in melanin) helps prevent sunburn. Interestingly, the back half of the tongue—tucked safely inside the mouth—is pink.
The Gila’s tongue is midnight blue
Because pink just wouldn’t do.
Gila Monster refreshment break—because venomous lizards get thirsty too. That tongue? Midnight blue, forked, and surprisingly stylish.
His tongue is blue, his walk is slow,
But he’s the boss of the desert, don’t you know?
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