![]() 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
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
Follow us on these social media sites:
The Basin and Range Project
We love the Basin and Range region and work to promote appreciation and respect for the area. We encourage all users to learn about, play in and protect this amazing resource. We currently focus primarily on issues in the Nevada region of the Basin and Range, but are looking to expand soon.
Categories
All
We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
|