Short-horned Lizard
Other Names: Mountain Short-horned Lizard, “Horn Toads”Scientific Name: Phrynosoma hermandesi
(Formerly: Phrynosoma douglassii)
Family: Phrynosomatidae
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Description & Size
- Rough scales
- Spikes (modified scales) on the head and body
- Short fore and hind limbs
- Short tail
- Flat and round body shape
- Total length: 7.6-12.5 cm (3.0-4.9 inches)
- Light stripe from the head to tail in the middle of the back
- Large and small blotches on the back
- Base color: Grey or brown
Habitat
- Shortgrass prairies with loose, sandy soils
- Rocky, rough terrain
Diet
- Ants primarily
- Other small invertebrates
Life History
- Diurnal
- Active season: April – September
- Breeding season: April – May (Howard, 1974)
- Gives live birth
- 5-48 young per female
