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One of the reasons
Gila monsters are so poorly understood is the
fact that most of their life is spent
underground and out of sight. Although Gilas can
be seen throughout the year, even
basking
at the entrance of their
shelters
on unseasonably warm winter days, most of their
above-ground activity occurs during a three
month period of time in the Spring. Their
reproduction,
feeding, and even
metabolic
controls are uniquely adapted to this short
activity
period.
 After
a winter of
hibernation,
Gilas emerge in the spring to feed and mate.
After this 90-day peak activity period they
rarely come to the surface. In fact, even during
this spring
activity
period they are active for only brief periods of
time. Consequently, more than 99 percent of the
Gila monster’s life is spent inactive and
underground.
Adult Gilas are
predominately
diurnal,
not nocturnal as previously thought. To avoid
the extreme heat of the desert, most of their
activity occurs in the morning and the late
afternoon. Sometimes they are seen out after
dark during the summer monsoon season,
especially in the southern part of their range.
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