ExploreReptiles

Texas Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma cornutum

The Texas Horned Lizard is a small, spiky reptile that looks like a tiny dinosaur! It can change color to blend in with its surroundings and loves to bask in the sun.

Habitat: Desert

Appearance

The Texas Horned Lizard is a flat-bodied reptile with a spiky crown of horns on its head and two rows of fringe along its sides. Its skin is typically tan, brown, or grey, often speckled with darker blotches for camouflage, making it visually distinct.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassSquamataOrderLacertiliaFamilyPhrynosomatidaeGenusPhrynosoma
Texas Horned Lizard
solitary trait badgehorned trait badgeinsectivorous trait badgethermoregulating trait badge
Texas Horned Lizard

Category

Reptiles

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Many people call them 'horny toads,' but they are actually lizards, not amphibians!

Texas Horned Lizards can live for up to 10 years in the wild!

Their diet mainly consists of harvester ants, which many other animals avoid!

They can burrow into sand in seconds, vanishing right before your eyes!

Special abilities

Ability

Eye Blood Squirt

Texas Horned Lizard can squirt streams of blood from its eyes that helps scare off predators.

Ability

Desert Camouflage

Texas Horned Lizard has bumpy, patterned skin that helps them blend perfectly with rocks and sand.

Ability

Spiky Armor

Texas Horned Lizard has sharp horns and spiny scales that protect it from being easily eaten.

Ability

Ant Vacuum Tongue

Texas Horned Lizard has a sticky tongue that helps them quickly slurp up many ants at once.

Measurements & details

Length
6-12 cm
Weight
0.045-0.1 kg
Lifespan
5-8 years
Top Speed
10 km/h
Clutch Size
10-30
Incubation
45-75 days

Diet & Feeding

These lizards primarily eat ants, using their sticky tongue to slurp them up quickly and efficiently.

Primary Foods

  • harvester ants
  • other ants
  • termites
  • small beetles
  • spiders

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

Horny Toad

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

It's best to watch these lizards from a distance and not touch them, as they can be scared easily.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is Texas Horned Lizard?

6-12 cm

How much does Texas Horned Lizard weigh?

0.045-0.1 kg

How long does Texas Horned Lizard live?

5-8 years

How fast can Texas Horned Lizard move?

10 km/h

What does Texas Horned Lizard eat?

These lizards primarily eat ants, using their sticky tongue to slurp them up quickly and efficiently.

Where is Texas Horned Lizard usually found?

Desert

How does Texas Horned Lizard hunt?

Foraging

How many eggs does Texas Horned Lizard lay?

10-30

Snap Map

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