Phrynosoma platyrhinos
The desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is a medium-sized lizard native to western North America, characterized by its flat body, fringe scales, and distinctive "horns" formed by large, pointed cranial scales. They inhabit desert climates and arid to semiarid plains, preferring areas with shrub cover and loose soil for burrowing. Primarily feeding on invertebrates, especially ants, these lizards are known for their camouflage and unique defensive behaviors.
Key Facts
- ›Distinguished by a flat body with a single row of fringe scales and large, pointed cranial scales resembling horns.
- ›Found in desert climates across western North America, from southern Idaho to northern Mexico.
- ›Diet consists mainly of invertebrates, with a particular fondness for ants, and some plant material.
- ›Possesses camouflage coloration, typically beige, tan, or reddish, blending with the surrounding soil.
- ›Exhibits behaviors such as burying itself in sand and rain-harvesting.
- ›Unlike some related species, rarely squirts blood from its eyes as a defense mechanism.
Horny Toad, Horned Toad
Western North America, Southern Idaho, Northern Mexico, Southeastern Oregon, California, Western Arizona, Utah, Nevada, Wyoming, Northwestern Sonora, Northeastern Baja California
Desert, Arid Plains, Semiarid Plains, Rocky Habitats, Gravelly Habitats, Shrub Cover, Sandy Soil
- Medium-Sized Lizard, Growing Up To Approximately 3.75 Inches In Size.
- Distinctive Flat and Broad Body Shape.
- One Row of Fringe Scales Down the Sides.
- Large, Pointed Scales Protruding From the Back of the Head, Giving A "Horned" Appearance.
- One Row of Slightly Enlarged Scales On Each Side of the Throat.
- Coloration Varies To Blend With Surroundings, Typically Beige, Tan, Or Reddish Dorsum.
- Contrasting, Wavy Blotches of Darker Color On the Dorsum.
- Two Prominent Dark Blotches On the Neck, Bordered Posteriorly By White Or Grey.
- Scattered Pointed Scales and Irregular Dark Blotches Along the Dorsum.
- Absence of A Prominent Dorsal Stripe, Or A Faint/Absent Stripe Depending On the Individual.
- Cranial Horns Are Wide At the Base and Do Not Contact Each Other.
- Juveniles Have Shorter and Less-Pronounced Cranial Spines Than Adults.
Invertebrates, Ants, Crickets, Grasshoppers, Beetles, Worms, Flies, Ladybugs, Meal Worms, Some Plant Material
- Generally Gentle Species.
- May Attempt To Push Cranial Spines Into A Hand When Held.
- Puffs Up With Air When Excited To Appear Larger.
- Dashes Into Bushes For Cover When Startled.
- More Likely To Run When Startled Than Other Horned Lizard Species, Though For Short Distances.
- Exhibits Rain-Harvesting Behavior By Adopting A Specific Posture.
- Performs Displays For Sex and Species Recognition, Including Push-Ups, Head Bobbing, Tail Movements, and Changes In Posture.
- Uses Tail Positions Such As Curled, Between the Legs, Or Arched Down With Scratching Behaviors.
- Adopts A Three-Legged Stance To Present Its Back To Predators.
About Phrynosoma platyrhinos
The Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)
The desert horned lizard, scientifically known as Phrynosoma platyrhinos, is a fascinating reptile native to the arid landscapes of western North America. Often colloquially called "horny toads," these animals are distinctly lizards, not amphibians, identifiable by their characteristic "horns" formed by prominent, pointed scales on their heads, along with a flattened body and a single row of fringe scales along their sides.
Distribution and Habitat
These lizards are well-adapted to desert climates, with their range spanning from southern Idaho in the north down to northern Mexico in the south. They can be found across states like California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and parts of Oregon and Wyoming. Their preferred habitats include areas with fine sand, shrub cover, and an understory, where they can easily burrow for protection and to ambush prey. Following the end of the Last Glacial Maximum, their range expanded northward into the Great Basin as desert environments grew.
Physical Characteristics
Phrynosoma platyrhinos is a medium-sized lizard, typically reaching about 3.75 inches (95 mm) in length. Their coloration is highly variable, generally a beige, tan, or reddish hue that blends seamlessly with the surrounding soil. They often display wavy blotches of darker color and two distinctive dark spots on their neck, bordered by a lighter shade. Unlike some related species, they lack a prominent dorsal stripe, or it may be faintly present or entirely absent. Their cranial horns are broad at the base and do not touch each other, differentiating them from some congeners.
Diet and Behavior
The diet of the desert horned lizard is primarily composed of invertebrates, with ants being a significant food source. They also consume crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, and other small insects, occasionally supplemented with plant material. They have evolved larger stomachs to process the chitin found in ants, which is not easily digestible. Behaviorally, they are known for their camouflage, burying themselves in sand, and unique defense mechanisms. When threatened, they may puff themselves up, dash into cover, or display behaviors like head bobbing and tail movements for communication and recognition. Notably, they have been observed engaging in rain-harvesting behavior, a rare trait among reptiles.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the main identifying features of a desert horned lizard?
Desert horned lizards are identified by their characteristically flat, broad bodies and the prominent, pointed scales on the back of their heads, which give them a "horned" appearance. They also have a single row of fringe scales along their sides and often exhibit cryptic coloration that matches their environment.
Where are desert horned lizards typically found?
These lizards are native to western North America and inhabit desert climates. Their range extends from southern Idaho in the north to northern Mexico in the south, including areas in California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada, and parts of Oregon and Wyoming.
What do desert horned lizards eat?
Their diet primarily consists of invertebrates, with ants being a staple food source. They also consume other insects like crickets, grasshoppers, and beetles, as well as worms and flies. Occasionally, they will supplement their diet with some plant material.
How do desert horned lizards defend themselves?
Desert horned lizards use camouflage to blend in with their surroundings and will often bury themselves in the sand to hide from predators. When threatened, they may puff themselves up to appear larger or dash into nearby vegetation for cover. Unlike some related species, they rarely resort to squirting blood from their eyes.
Are there different types of desert horned lizards?
Yes, there are two recognized subspecies: the northern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos) and the southern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum). These subspecies differ in their specific geographic ranges within the overall distribution of the species.
What is unique about the desert horned lizard's behavior?
Desert horned lizards have been observed to exhibit rain-harvesting behavior, adopting a specific posture to channel water towards their mouths. They also engage in various displays, such as head bobbing and tail movements, which are primarily related to sex and species recognition rather than aggression.
Related Lizards
Gambelia wislizenii
The long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii) is a relatively large North American lizard characterized by its long nose, long round tail, and granular scales that can be white, cream, or gray with irregular dark spots. It inhabits arid and semiarid plains across the western United States and northern Mexico, preferring open, flat areas with scattered low plants. This diurnal species is known for its speed, agility, and unique "freeze" defense mechanism.
Sceloporus uniformis
Sceloporus uniformis, commonly known as the yellow-backed spiny lizard, is a robust reptile native to the deserts of the southwestern United States. It is characterized by its brown or tan coloration, often featuring yellow and black dorsal stripes or mottling, and a distinctive black collar. This species inhabits arid and semi-arid environments, including desert flats, plains, and low mountain slopes.
Desert horned lizard
The desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is a medium-sized lizard native to western North America, known for its flat, broad body and distinctive cranial spines that give it a "horned" appearance. Primarily found in desert climates, they are often found near ant hills, which form a significant part of their diet. These lizards are generally gentle but possess unique defense mechanisms, including puffing up their bodies and, rarely, squirting blood from their eyes.