# Horned Lizard (*Phrynosoma douglasii*) The Horned Lizard has a spiky body that helps it defend against predators! It can blend in with the sand and dirt. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Deserts and arid regions - **Also known as:** Horned Frog, Horned Toad ![Horned Lizard](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426277/objects/5711.jpg) ## Appearance The Horned Lizard has a flattened, oval-shaped body covered in spiny scales. Its head is crowned with a row of small, sharp horns. Colors vary from earthy browns and grays to reds and yellows, often mottled to perfectly blend into its desert habitat. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Phrynosomatidae - **Genus:** Phrynosoma ## Interesting facts - Horned lizards aren't toads, they're true reptiles with scales! - Some species give birth to live babies instead of laying eggs! - They can drink water by absorbing it through their skin. - They use their flattened bodies to scoop up sand and quickly hide. ## Special abilities - **Desert Disguise:** Horned Lizards have spiky, mottled skin that helps them perfectly blend into sandy or rocky terrain, making them almost invisible. - **Spiny Armor:** Horned Lizards have sharp, spiky scales all over their body that makes them very difficult for predators to swallow or hold onto. - **Body Inflation:** Horned Lizards can inflate their bodies with air, making themselves appear larger and more intimidating to scare away threats. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 6-10 cm - **Weight:** 0.01-0.03 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-8 years - **Speed:** 8 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 5-15 - **Incubation:** 60-90 days ## Diet & Feeding These spiky lizards love munching on ants, using their sticky tongues to catch them quickly! - **Primary Foods:** ants, beetles, grasshoppers, spiders - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Silky Ant (*Formica fusca*) — primary food source for the lizard - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — a common avian predator of horned lizards - **Eaten by:** [Gopher Snake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/gopher-snake) (*Pituophis catenifer*) — ground predator that preys on horned lizards ## Traits - [Wildlife](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/wildlife): Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Insectivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/insectivorous): This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates. - [Desert](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/desert): Desert habitats are arid regions characterized by extremely low precipitation and often extreme temperatures, supporting specialized flora and fauna. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Regenerative](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/regenerative): Regenerative organisms possess the ability to regrow lost or damaged body parts, tissues, or organs. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [Venomous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/venomous): Venomous organisms produce toxins that are injected into another animal, typically through a bite or sting. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) - [Reptiles & Amphibians](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles-and-amphibians) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Horned Lizard? Compare toes, scales, head shape, crests and tail proportions. Many lizards can drop and regrow their tails, so a short tail isn't always a species trait. Lizard Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How long is Horned Lizard? 6-10 cm ### How much does Horned Lizard weigh? 0.01-0.03 kg ### How long does Horned Lizard live? 5-8 years ### How fast can Horned Lizard move? 8 km/h ### What does Horned Lizard eat? These spiky lizards love munching on ants, using their sticky tongues to catch them quickly! ### Where is Horned Lizard usually found? Deserts and arid regions ### How does Horned Lizard hunt? Ambush ## More Reptiles - [Pond Slider](https://www.snappit.app/explore/pond-slider) (*Trachemys scripta*) - [Western Fence Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-fence-lizard) (*Sceloporus occidentalis*) - [Common Five-lined Skink](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-five-lined-skink) (*Plestiodon fasciatus*) - [Desert Spiny Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/desert-spiny-lizard) (*Sceloporus magister*) --- Source: [Horned Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/horned-lizard)