The Gila monster is known for its striking bright orange, pink, and black patterns, which serve as a warning to predators.

The Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum) is a venomous lizard native to the Sonoran Desert. It has a distinctive pattern of black, orange, or pink scales, which act as aposematic (warning) coloration to deter predators. Unlike most desert reptiles that rely on camouflage, the Gila monster’s bright colors signal its toxicity. It moves slowly and spends most of its time burrowed underground, emerging primarily to feed on eggs, small mammals, and birds. In contrast, the Sidewinder rattlesnake is sandy-colored for camouflage, the Desert iguana is pale for heat reflection, and the Sonoran pronghorn has a tan coat that blends with its surroundings.