Horned Lizards | Herps of Texas

Phrynosoma cornutum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Phrynosoma cornutum

Common Name. Texas Horned Lizard

General information. This diurnal lizard is quick, seeking shelter among the brush or in animal burrows. The Texas horned lizard may also cover itself in loose sand. This species is typically seen on warm days of late spring or summer, particularly in the first few hours after dawn and the hours just before dusk; hibernation is from late summer to the following spring. This species of horned lizard feeds on large ants and may squirt blood from its eyes under stress.

Protected status. The Texas Horned Lizard is considered an threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Flat, broad lizard Dark lines downward from eyes and across head Pointed snout and short tail Crown of spines on the back of the head, with the two center ones enlarged resembling horns Row of spines projecting from both sides of throat. Two rows of spiny scales on sides of body Large spines on dorsal surface surrounded by dark pigment. Keeled ventral scales.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color varies with environment, but may be tan or gray with white and red or yellow tones The dorsal pattern consists of dark brown spots with pale posterior borders behind the head, on body, and tail on each side of light middorsal line.

General distribution. In North America, Phyrnosoma cornutum is found from Kansas to Louisiana through Texas to New Mexico and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Phyrnosoma cornutum was originally seen throughout most of the state, but numbers dropped dramatically in the 1950’s and 1960’s with habitat loss, pesticide use, and introduction of the non-native fire ant (Solenopsis invicta). Today, Texas horned lizards are only seen in the western third of the state.

Habitat. Phyrnosoma cornutum prefers warm, sandy, arid environments and is typically found in flat, open areas with little vegetation.

Reproduction. Breeding occurs in late spring upon emergence from hibernation. Females lay eggs (20-40) in burrows where they incubate for 40-50 days.

Size. Phyrnosoma cornutum reaches adult lengths of 6-10.5 cm (2.5-4.25 in).

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Phrynosoma hernandesi

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Phrynosoma hernandesi

Common Name. Greater Short-horned Lizard

General information. This species of diurnal lizard may cover itself with soil at night. When threatened, this horned lizard will puff up and hiss while pointing its horns forward to appear menacing and may even squirt blood from its eyes. Hibernation in this species is from late fall to mid-spring.

Protected status. The Greater Short-horned Lizard is considered an threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state.

Diagnostic features. Flat, broad lizard with short tail. Crown of short, reddish spines in two distinct formations on the back of the head. One row of spiny scales on sides of body. Smooth venter with pale orange coloration on chest.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color varies from reddish brown to light gray or brown to a pale yellow. The dorsal pattern consists of pairs of large dark spots with pale posterior borders on the neck and back Head is reddish color.

General distribution. In North America, the range of Phrynosoma hernandesi extends from Utah and Colorado through Arizona and New Mexico and into West Texas and northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Phrynosoma hernandesi is found in two isolated parts of the state: in the Guadalupe Mountains and Davis Mountains.

Habitat. Phrynosoma hernandesi inhabits forested areas or semi-arid plains at higher elevations with sandy soil and pebbles.

Reproduction. Mating occurs in the spring upon emergence from hibernation. Up to as many as 30 live young are born in late summer.

Size. Phrynosoma hernandesi reaches lengths between 6.25-15 cm (2.5-6 in).

Phrynosoma modestum

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Phrynosoma modestum

Common Name. Round-tailed Horned Lizard

General information. This diurnal lizard will flatten its body and remain motionless when threatened. This horned lizard is well camouflaged among the rocks and loose soil where it feeds on ants and beetles. These lizards hibernates during the winter months.

Protected status. The Round-tailed Horned Lizard is not a protected species in Texas and can be legally collected with a hunting license.

Diagnostic features. Flat, broad lizard with short tail that tapers quickly to a round end. Crown of four short spines on the back of the head No external ear openings. No spiny scales on sides of body.

Coloration. Dorsal ground color varies with environment from light gray to light brown to a pale yellow to reddish brown Dorsal pattern consists of pairs dark spots on neck, groin, and base of tail. Pale gray venter.

General distribution. In North America, the range of Phrynosoma modestum extends from west Texas to eastern Arizona and into northern Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Phrynosoma modestum is found in west Texas and the Panhandle.

Habitat. Phrynosoma modestum prefers arid or semi-arid environments with sparse vegetation and rocky/gravelly soil.

Reproduction. Egg clutches (up to 9 eggs) are laid in early summer.

Size. Phrynosoma modestum reaches an adult length of 7.5-10 cm (3-4 in).