Texas horned lizard
The Texas horned lizard, also known as the horny toad or horned toad, is a unique reptile found predominantly in the arid regions of Texas. Known scientifically as Phrynosoma cornutum, these lizards are characterized by their rounded, flat bodies and distinctive backward-pointing spines. Typically measuring between 3.5 to 5 inches (9 to 13 centimeters) in length, females are usually larger than males. Their coloration, which includes shades of beige, brown, and gray, aids in camouflage against the desert landscape.
These lizards are primarily insectivores, feeding mainly on ants, but they also consume termites, beetles, and grasshoppers. An interesting defense mechanism they possess is the ability to shoot blood from their eyes to deter predators. Texas horned lizards have a unique reproductive cycle, with mating occurring between April and June, followed by the laying of 14 to 37 eggs, which hatch independently after 40 to 61 days. Their life span ranges from five to ten years, and while not globally threatened, they may face challenges in certain regions. Overall, the Texas horned lizard is an intriguing species that plays a role in its ecosystem and reflects the biodiversity of Texas's desert habitats.
On this Page
Subject Terms
Texas horned lizard
Texas horned lizards are often called horned lizards, horny toads, or horned toads because their bodies and heads are large, round, and flat like toads. Their species name, Phrynosoma, means toad-bodied.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Phrynosomatidae
Genus: Phrynosoma
Species: Cornutum
Texas horned lizards live in the dry, desert areas of Texas. Their beige, brown, and gray skin coloring helps them to blend in with their dusty, dull surroundings. Like other lizards, Texas horned lizards slough, or shed, their skin many times throughout their lives. Texas horned lizards have sharp, backward-pointing spines covering their bodies. Texas horned lizards have shorter, thicker tails than many lizards. Their legs are strong and scaly and hold the fronts of their bodies up off the ground. Texas horned lizards grow to be about 3 1/2 to five inches (nine to 13 centimeters) long. Females are larger than males. On the tops of each of their heads, Texas horned lizards each have a round spot called a "third eye." These spots are responsible for informing Texas horned lizards of information such as the time of day and whether or not it is breeding season.
Texas horned lizards spend much of their time camouflaged against the desert earth. They rise early in the morning to bask in the warmth of the sunrise. Later in the day, Texas horned lizards shuffle through the dirt to cool off. This process helps the lizards maintain the right body temperatures.
Texas horned lizards are insectivores, or insect-eating lizards. They eat mostly ants but also eat termites, beetles, and grasshoppers. While Texas horned lizards are foraging for food, they also stay alert for predators such as snakes and birds of prey. If they are attacked, Texas horned lizards close their eyes tightly and increase the blood pressure in the sinus pockets near their eyes until the walls burst. Blood pours down into their lower eyelids, which can then be shot at their attackers. These streams of blood can be shot at ranges of up to four feet (122 centimeters) away and may be repeated several times.
The exact mating season of all Texas horned lizards is between April and June. Female lizards lay clutches, or batches, of between 14 and 37 eggs. After the females have laid their eggs, they have no further contact with their offspring. When the young lizards are ready to hatch after 40 to 61 days, they break from their shells and survive independently. The time between the laying and hatching of the eggs is known as the incubation period. Texas horned lizards can reproduce at two years of age.
The life span of Texas horned lizards is between five and 10 years. While the Texas horned lizard is not an overall threatened species, it may be threatened in some areas of its range.
Bibliography
McNear, Natalie. “Texas Horned Lizard.” Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation, 2024, www.wildlifedepartment.com/wildlife/field-guide/reptiles/texas-horned-lizard. Accessed 10 May 2024.
“Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma Cornutum).” Texas Parks and Wildlife, tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/thlizard. Accessed 10 May 2024.