Phrynosoma Platyrhinos
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! Found in extremely diverse habitats. The horned lizard occurs in areas of fine sand. This species of lizard has a distinctive flat body with one row of fringe scales down the sides. They have one row of slightly enlarged scales on each side of the throat. Colors can vary and generally blend in with the color of the surrounding soil, but they usually have a beige, tan, or reddish dorsum with contrasting, wavy blotches of darker color. They have two dark blotches on the neck that are very prominent and are bordered posteriorly by a light white or gray color. They also have pointed scales on the back of the body. Juveniles are similar to adults, but have shorter and less-pronounced cranial spines.
They are generally a gentle species, but have been known to try to push their cranial spines into the hand while held. When excited, they puff themselves up with air, making themselves look bigger. If spotted near a bush, they will dash into it in an attempt to find cover from any threat. Desert horned lizards prey primarily on invertebrates, such as ants, crickets, grasshoppers, beetles, worms, flies, ladybugs, meal worms and some plant material. They can often be found in the vicinity of ant hills, where they sit and wait for ants to pass by. When they find an area of soft sand, they usually shake themselves vigorously, throwing sand over their backs and leaving only their head exposed. This allows them to hide from predators and await their unsuspecting prey.
