Zoology: Bones

The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a large lizard native to the southwestern portion of the North American continent. This skull is cast from a large and old specimen with excellent teeth and epidermal knobs. It can be found in terrestrial arid areas, deserts and dry forests in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada, Southern California, and Northern Mexico. Reaching around 19 inches (48 cm) in total body length, this lizard has a stout tail and is covered with thick scales that resemble beads with an irregular pattern of yellow, orange and brown bands or spots. Gila monsters do not strike like a snake. Instead it holds on with a vise-like grip and “chews” in the venom, which is secreted from glands in the lower jaw and distributed by grooved teeth unlike snakes which inject with fangs like hypodermic needles. Gila monsters have neurotoxic venom, which affect the nerves. This cast would be a great addition to any biology program focused on venomous animals.
1-part skull (jaw glued to cranium).
3" L x 2 ½" W x 1 ½" H / L 7.6L x 6.4W x 3.7H (cm)