Desert Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma platyrhinos

Conservation Status

Least Concern

Reptilia · Phrynosomatidae

About

The desert horned lizard is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to western North America. They are often referred to as "horny toads", although they are not toads, but lizards.

Fun Fact

Desert horned lizards can squirt blood from their eyes up to 1.5 meters as a defense — the blood contains chemicals distasteful to canid predators like coyotes and foxes.

Quick Facts

Habitat

Found in shortgrass prairie all the way up into spruce-fir forest.

Diet

Prey primarily on invertebrates, such as ants (including red harvester ants,) crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, flies, ladybugs, meal worms and some plant material.

Lifespan

To be updated

Threats

Habitat Change
Human Disturbance

External Data Sources

Recent sightings on iNaturalist IUCN Red List profile

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