Greater Short-horned Lizard

Phrynosoma hernandesi (Phrynosoma douglasii hernandesi)

The eight species of horned lizards in the United States are often called horned toads, because of their wide, flattened bodies and prominent armor of sharp-pointed horns on their heads. They are ground-dwellers and are usually found basking in dry, sandy environments. The Greater Short-horned Lizard, an ant eater, may be found from desert flats to pine forest clearings above 10,000 feet. If disturbed, these lizards may squirt blood from their eyelids.

Look For : A flat-bodied gray, yellowish, or reddish-brown lizard with a crown of short, stubby horns on head; deep indent in center of crown. Row of pointed, bristly scales along each side of body.

Length : To 6".

Habitat : Shortgrass prairies, sagebrush deserts, dry, open woodlands, mountain meadows, prairie-dog towns.

Range : Rocky Mountains and eastern Great Basin from Canadian border south through Arizona and New Mexico.