Phrynosoma blainvilli
Priority 2 California species of special concern·Oviparous (lays eggs)
The San Diego horned lizard, also known as Blainville's horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii), is a flat-bodied reptile characterized by prominent spiky horns on its head and smaller spikes along its body. Found in southern California and northern Baja California, it inhabits sandy areas with low vegetation, often near ant hills. This species is known for its camouflage, defensive hissing and biting, and the unique ability to shoot blood from its eyes.
Key Facts
- ›Native to southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico.
- ›Distinctive flat body with spiky horns on the head and body.
- ›Primarily feeds on harvester ants, but also consumes spiders and other insects.
- ›Can shoot blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.
- ›Females are generally larger than males.
- ›Conservation status is a priority 2 California species of special concern.
San Diego Horned Lizard, Blainville's Horned Lizard, Coast Horned Lizard
Southern California, United States, Central Valley, California, United States, Northern Baja California, Mexico
- Flat-Bodied Lizard.
- Long, Spiky Horns On the Top and Side of the Head.
- Smaller Spikes Throughout the Body and Tail.
- Adult Length Ranges From 2.5 To 4.5 Inches From Snout To the Base of the Tail.
- Coloration Includes Red, Brown, Yellow, Or Gray.
- Features Several Black Spots On the Back and Neck.
- Dorsal Coloration Is Highly Variable and Usually Matches the Prevailing Soil Color.
- Females Are Larger Than Males.
- Males Have Larger Horns At the Base of Their Tails and Noticeable Pores On the Interior of Their Hind Legs.
Harvester Ants, Spiders, Beetles, Termites, Other Insects
- Primary Defense Is Immobility and Camouflage.
- Attempts To Hide In Undergrowth Or Cover Itself In Sand If Camouflage Fails.
- May Hiss and Bite When Threatened.
- Can Use Head and Body Horns As Weapons.
- Capable of Shooting Blood From Its Eyes To Deter Predators.
Insectivore, Ant Specialist
Badgers, Foxes, Coyotes, House Pets, Greater Roadrunners, Loggerhead Shrikes, American Kestrels, Burrowing Owls, Northern Pacific Rattlesnake
Urbanization, Habitat Loss, Habitat Degradation, Hunting Or Capturing By Humans, Increase of Invasive Argentine Ants, Collection For Curio Trade
About Phrynosoma blainvilli
San Diego Horned Lizard
The San Diego horned lizard, scientifically known as Phrynosoma blainvillii and also referred to as Blainville's horned lizard, is a distinctive reptile native to the southern and central regions of California in the United States and extending into northern Baja California, Mexico. This species is characterized by its flattened body, prominent spiky horns adorning its head, and smaller spikes distributed across its body and tail. Its coloration, which can range from red, brown, yellow, or gray, is highly variable and typically serves as camouflage, blending with the prevailing soil colors of its habitat.
These lizards are typically found in sandy environments with sparse vegetation, often in areas where ant hills are prevalent. Their diet primarily consists of harvester ants, supplemented by other insects such as spiders, beetles, and termites. The San Diego horned lizard employs a range of defensive strategies, beginning with immobility and camouflage. If this proves insufficient, it may seek cover in vegetation or sand. When cornered, it can resort to hissing, biting, or even expelling blood from its eyes to startle and deter predators.
Recognized as a species of special concern in California, the San Diego horned lizard faces significant threats. Urbanization and subsequent habitat loss and degradation have led to population declines. Historically, the species was also impacted by collection for the curio trade. The proliferation of invasive Argentine ants also poses a challenge to their survival. Females of the species are generally larger than males, and reproduction involves females laying clutches of eggs in the ground, which hatch a few months later.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Phrynosoma blainvillii?
Phrynosoma blainvillii is the scientific name for the San Diego horned lizard, also commonly known as Blainville's horned lizard. It is a species of lizard native to parts of California and Mexico.
Where does the San Diego horned lizard live?
This lizard species ranges from the Central Valley of California, south through Southern California, and into northern Baja California in Mexico. They are typically found in sandy areas with low vegetation, often in proximity to ant hills.
What does the San Diego horned lizard look like?
The San Diego horned lizard has a flat body and is adorned with long, spiky horns on its head, along with smaller spikes covering its body and tail. Its coloration varies from red, brown, yellow, or gray, often featuring black spots on its back and neck, with dorsal coloring that typically matches the surrounding soil.
What does Blainville's horned lizard eat?
The diet of Blainville's horned lizard consists mainly of harvester ants. They will also consume other insects such as spiders, beetles, and termites.
How does the San Diego horned lizard defend itself?
When threatened, this lizard's first defense is to remain still and camouflage itself with its surroundings. If that fails, it may hide or burrow in sand. If further provoked, it can hiss, bite, use its horns, and, as a last resort, shoot blood from its eyes to deter predators.
What is the conservation status of the San Diego horned lizard?
As of 2016, the San Diego horned lizard is considered a priority 2 California species of special concern. Its populations have declined due to habitat loss, urbanization, and the impact of invasive Argentine ants.
Related Lizards
Blainville's horned lizard
Blainville's horned lizard, also known as the San Diego horned lizard, is a flat-bodied lizard native to Southern California and northern Baja California, Mexico. Characterized by its distinctive spiky horns on its head and body, it typically inhabits sandy areas with low vegetation near ant hills. This species plays a crucial role in its ecosystem, primarily feeding on ants, and exhibits a unique defense mechanism of squirting blood from its eyes.
Brown anole
The brown anole (Anolis sagrei) is a small to medium-sized lizard native to Cuba and surrounding islands, known for its light brown coloration and ability to change shades. It is a highly invasive species, particularly in the United States, where it outcompetes and consumes native lizards. The brown anole primarily inhabits the ground and low vegetation in urban and suburban areas.
Calumma nasutum
The Calumma nasutum, commonly known as the Madagascar pimple-nose chameleon or big-nosed chameleon, is a small arboreal lizard native to Madagascar. It is distinguished by a prominent, paddle-like appendage on its nose, which is thought to aid in mate identification, particularly in males who also possess a more noticeable casque. This species inhabits dense rainforests and is primarily nocturnal, feeding on small invertebrates.