Up to 10 species of horned lizards occur in the Sonoran Desert region, from the 2¾ inch (69 mm) long round-tailed horned lizard (P. modestum) to the 5 inch (127 mm) long Texas horned lizard (P. cornutum). With squat, flat, toad-like bodies (Phrynosoma means "toad-body") and thorn-like projections at the rear of their heads, horned lizards are easily distinguished from other lizards. The projections differ in size and arrangement from one species to another. Along the sides of the body, fringe-like scales occur in one row, two parallel rows, or they may be absent. Males have enlarged post-anal scales, and during the breeding season, a swollen tail base.
Ten Facts about Round-tailed Horned Lizard
- This lizard is found in extreme southeastern Arizona along the border with New Mexico.
- Horned lizards are found in extremely diverse habitats. The flat-tailed horned lizard occurs in areas of fine sand, while the short-horned lizard (P. douglassii) is found in shortgrass prairie all the way up into spruce-fir forest.
- They are belong to the family of phrynosomatidae, Earless and Horned Lizards.
- Mates in May; clutch of 9 eggs laid June to July, hatches July to August.
- This primarily diurnal ground-dweller is most active in the mid-morning and on overcast days. It is also occasionally active at night.
- The Round-tailed Horned Lizard feeds primarily on ants but it also takes termites, beetles, butterfly and moth larvae, and other insects.
- When in doubt, Round-tailed Horned Lizards tend to tuck themselves up and do their best rock impression.
- Birds, fox, snakes, scorpios are very harmful to him.
- Lifespan can be 10 years.
- There bite can be very dangerous.
