# Regal Horned Lizard (*Phrynosoma solare*) The Regal Horned Lizard is a small, spiky lizard that looks like a tiny dinosaur! It can change color to blend in with its surroundings and loves to bask in the sun. - **Category:** [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/reptile) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Desert - **Also known as:** Desert Horned Lizard ![Regal Horned Lizard](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Brdavis_-_Phrynosoma_solare.jpg&width=800) Photo: brdavids, CC BY 2.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Brdavis_-_Phrynosoma_solare.jpg) ## Appearance The Regal Horned Lizard has a flattened, toad-like body, adorned with a distinct crown of sharp horns on its head. Its tan, brown, or grey coloring with darker blotches provides excellent camouflage. Spiny scales and two prominent dark neck blotches make it unique. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Chordata - **Class:** Squamata - **Order:** Lacertilia - **Family:** Phrynosomatidae - **Genus:** Phrynosoma ## Interesting facts - A special nasal gland helps them remove excess salt from their bodies! - Horned lizards absorb rainwater and dew directly through their spiky skin! - They sunbathe to warm up, giving them energy to hunt! - This lizard can quickly bury itself backward into the sand to vanish! ## Special abilities - **Eye-Blood Blast:** Regal Horned Lizard can squirt a stream of blood from its eyes that helps them deter predators with its foul taste and surprise. - **Desert Disguise:** Regal Horned Lizard has a flat body and spiky scales that help them blend perfectly with rocks and sand to avoid detection. - **Inflating Intimidation:** Regal Horned Lizard can puff up its body like a balloon that helps them look bigger and more spiky, making them harder to swallow. - **Spiky Crown Shield:** Regal Horned Lizard has a crown of sharp horns on its head that helps them protect its skull from predator attacks. ## Measurements & details - **Length:** 8-12 cm - **Weight:** 0.02-0.05 kg - **Lifespan:** 5-8 years - **Speed:** 10 km/h - **Clutch Size:** 10-25 - **Incubation:** 35-50 days ## Diet & Feeding This spiky lizard is an expert insectivore, mostly munching on ants and other small bugs. - **Primary Foods:** Harvester Ants, Termites, Beetles, Grasshoppers - **Foraging Method:** Ambush ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** Harvester Ant (*Pogonomyrmex californicus*) — Their favorite meal! - **Eaten by:** [Western Diamondback Rattlesnake](https://www.snappit.app/explore/western-diamondback-rattlesnake) (*Crotalus atrox*) — A dangerous predator in their desert home. - **Eaten by:** [Red-tailed Hawk](https://www.snappit.app/explore/red-tailed-hawk) (*Buteo jamaicensis*) — Hunted by birds of prey from above. - **Shelter:** [Creosote Bush](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creosote-bush) (*Larrea tridentata*) — Hides under its shade from heat and predators. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [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. - [Thermoregulating](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/thermoregulating): Thermoregulating organisms maintain a stable internal body temperature despite fluctuations in the external environment. - [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. - [Ambush Predator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ambush-predator): An ambush predator hunts by patiently waiting and concealing itself, then launching a sudden attack when unsuspecting prey comes within range. - [Spiky/Thorny](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/spiky-thorny): Possessing sharp, pointed projections or spines on the body or surface. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. ## Collections - [Reptiles](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/reptiles) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low If you see a lizard, watch it from a distance and don't try to touch it. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Regal 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 Regal Horned Lizard? 8-12 cm ### How much does Regal Horned Lizard weigh? 0.02-0.05 kg ### How long does Regal Horned Lizard live? 5-8 years ### How fast can Regal Horned Lizard move? 10 km/h ### What does Regal Horned Lizard eat? This spiky lizard is an expert insectivore, mostly munching on ants and other small bugs. ### Where is Regal Horned Lizard usually found? Desert ### How does Regal 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: [Regal Horned Lizard: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/regal-horned-lizard)