Texas Horned Lizard (Horned Toad)
Phrynosoma cornutum
Background Information
Description:
-4 to 5 inches
-flat-bodied and fierce-looking lizard.
-head has numerous horns, all of which are prominent, with two central head spines being much longer than any of the others.
-brownish with two rows of fringed scales along each side of the body.
- They are actually quite docile and people used to keep them as pets.
Where Found:
-found in many parts of South Central United States and Northern Mexico
Habitat:
-arid and semiarid habitats in open areas with sparse plant cover
-horned lizards dig for hibernation, nesting and insulation purposes, so they commonly are found in loose sand or loamy soils.
Diet:
-harvester ants, though they supplement these with termites, beetles, and grasshoppers
Fun Fact
Also the lizard is the state reptile of Texas.