Short-Horned Lizard

Short-horned lizard sunning.

U.S. Forest Service, Southwestern Region, Kaibab National Forest

 

Scientific Name

Greater (Mountain) Short-Horned Lizard: Phrynosoma hernandesi

 

Identification

• Often wrongly called a "horny toad," this species of lizard has a crown of short spines on the head, and a low of small spines on each side of its body.
• They are small squat lizards, with a blunt snout. They reach up to about 6 inches (15cm) in length.
• They are grey, yellowish, or reddish-brown, with a row of dark spots along the back.

 

Habitat

• Mountain short-horned lizards are found throughout western North America, ranging from central Mexico to the Canadian provinces of Saskatchewan and Alberta.
• In the Grand Canyon, short-horned lizards are found on the Rims and inside the Canyon. Their camouflage makes them very difficult to see.

 

Behavior

• Short-horned lizards are ambush predators, and will remain motionless until prey comes close enough to grab.
• They feed on small insects, which they swallow whole. Ants are their primary food source.
• In the Grand Canyon, short-horned lizards hibernate in burrows during the winter.
• When threatened, short-horned lizards shoot blood from specialized tear ducts in the corners of their eyes. They can shoot this blood up to three feet (one meter) to startle and confuse predators.
• Populations of short-horned lizards have been in decline in recent decades, due to habitat destruction, capture for the pet trade, and eradication of ants.

 

More Information

Short Horned Lizards in Arizona- AZ Game and Fish Video