Pygmy short-horned lizard

The pygmy short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii) is a small reptile native to the northwestern United States and, historically, the extreme southern reaches of British Columbia, Canada. Often colloquially referred to as a "horned toad," it is a lizard, not an amphibian. This species is characterized by its flat, squat body, short legs, and a distinctive "snub-nosed" profile. Its head is adorned with small, pointed scales resembling horns, and its trunk is fringed with a row of pointed scales, while its belly scales are smooth.

The coloration of the pygmy short-horned lizard typically ranges from greyish-beige to yellowish or reddish-brown, adapting to its surroundings and the season. It possesses two rows of darker spots along its back. Notably, when the lizard feels threatened, is reacting defensively, or is preparing to mate, its colors can become more intense, a phenomenon sometimes described as "fired-up."

Habitat and Behavior

Pygmy short-horned lizards inhabit regions that can experience winter freezes, and they exhibit a unique tolerance for lower temperatures compared to many related species. This allows them to occupy biomes that might be inaccessible to other horned lizards. Their diet is varied and depends on age, sex, and seasonal availability. Hatchlings and juveniles feed almost exclusively on ants, while older individuals incorporate a wider range of prey such as arachnids, beetles, mollusks, and earthworms into their diet. They may also consume plant matter.

Identification and Relatives

It is often confused with its close relative, the greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi). While they share similar physiology, the pygmy short-horned lizard is considerably smaller when mature. Until recent genetic evidence, they were sometimes considered the same species. Predators of the pygmy short-horned lizard include various birds of prey, mammals like coyotes and foxes, and certain snakes.