Regal horned lizard

The regal horned lizard, scientifically known as Phrynosoma solare, is a distinctive species of lizard native to the arid regions of Mexico and the southwestern United States. This small, flat-bodied reptile is easily recognized by the prominent spikes adorning its lateral surfaces and its remarkable defense mechanism of squirting blood from its eyes when threatened.

Habitat and Distribution

This species thrives in desert environments characterized by level or gently sloping terrain with sparse vegetation, such as mesquite, creosote bush, and saguaro cactus. They are commonly found in hot and dry climates, often with ground cover of limestone dust. Their range includes southeastern Arizona, parts of Texas, southern California, and New Mexico, as well as specific transition zones in Mexico's central mountain regions. The regal horned lizard typically maintains a relatively small home range, estimated to be around 160 yards.

Diet and Behavior

The diet of the regal horned lizard consists almost exclusively of harvester ants, with individuals observed consuming as many as 2500 ants in a single feeding. They are slow eaters, adapting to the intense desert heat. While primarily insectivorous, they may also consume other insects and spiders. These lizards are generally sedentary and exhibit a sedentariness reflected in their morphology, often displaying coloration that matches their environment for camouflage. They are active year-round but show peak activity between April and September. During winter, their activity is limited to warmer days, and they may hibernate from late September through October. A unique behavior involves basking with only their head protruding from the sand to warm blood, which is then circulated via a specialized chamber in the head. They construct nests by digging holes in the ground and are known to be protective of these sites. Their primary defense is camouflage, but when this fails, they can eject blood from their eyes, which may deter predators with its taste and the physical act of squirting it towards their attacker's face.

Reproduction

Regal horned lizards are oviparous, reproducing through sexual reproduction with internal fertilization. Mating behavior may involve head bopping, push-ups, and head nodding. Females typically ovulate and lay eggs between June and August. A clutch can contain anywhere from 7 to 30 eggs, and females usually lay only one clutch per year. The eggs are deposited in semicircular tunnels dug at an angle to provide shade. Hatchlings receive no parental care upon hatching and immediately bury themselves in the sand to begin their independent lives of foraging and survival.