Other Names: Mountain Short-horned Lizard, “Horn Toads”
Scientific Name: Phrynosoma hermandesi
(Formerly: Phrynosoma douglassii)
Family: Phrynosomatidae
Description and 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
Range
Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email dferraro1@unl.edu.