General Information About Horned Lizards
Horned Lizard, common name for a genus of short-tailed, short-legged lizards in the
iguana family. They are called "horned" for the hornlike spines on the back of the head and sides of the body, and "toad" for their rounded, toadlike shape. Found mostly in dry regions of the western United States and Mexico, they are diurnal and can often be seen sitting motionless near ant mounds. Most species feed heavily on ants, but they will also eat other types of small insects and spiders. Their wide, flat bodies are about 8 to 13 cm (about 3 to 5 in) long. For defense, many species, including the coast horned lizard, can spray an intruder with blood from the corners of their eyes. The Texas horned lizard, once commonly sold as a pet, has disappeared from many parts of its former habitat and is protected in Texas.
Scientific classification: Horned lizards
make up the genus Phrynosoma of the family
Iguanidae. The coast horned lizard is
classified as Phrynosoma coronatum and the
Texas horned lizard as Phrynosoma
cornutum.
"Horned Lizard," Microsoft® Encarta® Online
Encyclopedia 2001
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