Horned toad, also known as horned lizard, (genus Phrynosoma), any of about 14 species of lizards in the family Iguanidae typically characterized by dagger-like spines or horns; Flat oval body, pointed scales along the sides and short tail are typical features. Lizards range in length from less than 7.5 to more than 12.5 centimeters (3 to 5 inches).
Characteristics and diet
The species can be distinguished by the formidable horned crown that adorns its head and the numerous spikes on its back. Their coloration can be yellowish, gray or sepia depending on the environment in which they live, and combined with their shape gives them considerable surface camouflage. They mainly eat ants, waiting for one to accidentally crawl past before biting and swallowing the whole ant. They are also known to eat grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders.
defensive adaptation
Despite their spiky features, short-horned lizards prey on a number of creatures, including hawks, walkers, snakes, lizards, dogs, wolves, and coyotes. Thus, in addition to their natural camouflage, they have tuned a remarkable pair of talents. To ward off hungry predators, short-horned lizards have the ability to inflate their bodies to twice their size, like a spiked balloon. And if this weren’t enough, some species employ one of the animal kingdom’s strangest defenses: they shoot blood from their eyes.
Ominous spurts of blood emanate from ducts in the corners of their eyes and can travel a distance of up to three feet. It is intended to confuse possible predators, but also contains a chemical that is toxic to dogs, coyotes, and coyotes.
Threats to survival
In recent decades, populations of short-horned lizards have declined in their range. Destruction of their native habitat, efforts to eradicate ants – their main food – and the pet trade all contribute to this.
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