Desert Horned Lizard a.k.a Horny Toad

Phrynosoma platyrhinos, Horned Lizard

Horned Lizard blending in with the environment.

Desert horned lizards (Phrynosoma playrhinos) are found in the western deserts of the United States and are a fairly common sight. There are two subspecies of desert horned lizards 1) the northern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos) and 2) the southern desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos calidiarum). They are very often referred to as horny toads, however they are lizards (reptiles) not toads (amphibians). It would seem that they get the name "toad" from their rounded bodies. 

Desert Horned Lizards like arid regions and are often found in sagebrush habitats.  Also, since they burrow in the sand, they tend to like loose, sandy soils. They are ant specialists (which is why it's difficult to keep them as pets), but will also eat slow insects such as beetles and even some vegetation. 

Horned lizards can vary in their coloration quite a bit. Being fairly grey in color to bright red, usually mottled with white, grey and black. They blend in very well into their surroundings and can be quite difficult to see. They have a distinctive flat, round body with fringed scales that look like horns, hence their name. And, in this species the horns are longer than they are wide. 

Sources and for more information:
Idaho Museum of Natural History:  http://imnh.isu.edu/digitalatlas/bio/reptile/lacer/phpl/phplfram.htm
Phrynosoma.org

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