Mountain Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

Like its close relative, the desert horned lizard, these little critters are often referred to as “horny toads”.  As their name indicates, the horns on these lizards are much shorter, especially around the crown. They are primarily ant eaters, but some insects are also occasionally eaten.  If they occur in the Reserve, they are likely in the higher elevations with cooler temperatures.  These lizards are occasionally known to squirt blood out of their eyes as a defense mechanism. They give birth to dozens of live young during late summer.

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