A fascinating and unique species native to the deserts of southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. One of the most distinctive features of the Flat-tail Horned Lizard is its flattened body and tail, which serve as highly effective camouflage in its natural habitat. The lizard’s body coloration closely mimics the color and texture of the desert sands and rocks among which it lives, ranging from shades of brown to a dusty tan. This coloration is not just for hiding from predators; it also reflects sunlight, helping the lizard maintain a cooler body temperature in the scorching desert heat.

The “horned” part of its name comes from the row of prominent horn-like spines that adorn the lizard’s head and the sides of its body, which are thought to help deter predators. These spines make the lizard more difficult to swallow and less appealing to potential threats. In addition to its physical defenses, the Flat-tail Horned Lizard is also known for its remarkable behavior of “playing dead” when threatened—a tactic that can discourage predators who prefer live prey.

An interesting, fun fact about the Flat-tail Horned Lizard is its method of dealing with predators. Besides its camouflage and spiny defenses, this lizard can also squirt a stream of blood from the corners of its eyes when extremely threatened. This blood-squirting mechanism, which can reach up to a few feet in distance, contains chemicals that are distasteful to canine and feline predators, providing a chemical defense mechanism that complements its physical and behavioral strategies for survival.

Distribution

Country

Population est.

Status

Year

Comments

Mexico

2007

United States

2007