Texas Horned Lizard
The largest horned lizard, it is a common species south of the Arkansas River.
About This Species
The Texas horned lizard, sometimes called a "horny toad", is a flat-bodied lizard with numerous horns on its head, with two central head spines being prominent.
More Information:
Physical Characteristics
Body wide and flattened; spines at back of head much longer than width at base; two rows of enlarged scales fringing each side of body; dark bars radiate from eye; adults may have yellow tint on chest and sides, in front of vent, and on dorsum; most adults are less than 80 mm (3.1 inches) in snout-vent length, but a few females reach 95 mm (3.7 inches); coloration typically cryptic against prevailing soil color.
Mature Male
Underside of base of tail with two swellings (from hemipenes); tail length averages longer than that of female.
Hatchling
Head spines initially absent but grow quickly.
Range
Southeastern Colorado, almost entirely south of the Arkansas River. Fairly common.
Habitat
Plains grassland, particularly where there are large patches of bare ground (but generally absent from areas that are barren due to extensive plowing). Buries itself in the soil or seeks cover in rodent burrows.
Diet
Harvester ants dominate the diet.
Reproduction
Females lay eggs in late May, June, or July. Hatchlings appear in August-September.