Gila Monster

Gila monsters breed in May and June and just before the mating season males have been observed engaging in combats. In this combat, the dominant male lies on top of the subordinate one and pins it with its front and hind limbs. Both lizards arch their bodies, pushing against each other and twisting around in an effort to gain the dominant position. The male usually initiates courtship by flicking his tongue to search for the female's scent. If the female rejects his advances, she will bite him and crawl away. Females lay eggs in July or August, burying them in sand 5 in (13 cm) below the surface. The clutch consists of 2 to 12 eggs: 5 is the average. The incubation lasts 9 months, as the hatchlings emerge during April through June the following year. The hatchlings are about 16 cm (6.3 in) long and can bite and inject venom upon hatching. The juveniles usually attain reproductive maturity at three to five years old. After egg-laying, adult Gila monsters gradually spend less time on the surface to avoid the hottest part of the summer (although they may be active in the evening), eventually starting their hibernation around November.