Phrynosoma – Horny toads

The term “horny toads,” often a colloquial name for horned lizards of the genus Phrynosoma, paints an evocative picture of these reptiles’ unique defensive adaptations. These lizards are readily recognized by the crown of horns that adorns their skulls, an adaptation that serves as armor against predators and camouflage against the desert backdrop they call home.

These horns are not merely decorative protrusions; they are an integral part of the lizard’s skull, made of bone and covered in keratin—the same substance that makes up human hair and nails. Their rugged appearance helps the lizards blend into the rough terrain of their habitats, typically arid regions with sparse vegetation.

One of the most startling defensive mechanisms in the animal kingdom belongs to these horned lizards – the ability to squirt blood from their eyes. This blood-squirting is not a daily occurrence but a last resort tactic when threatened by predators. The blood contains chemicals that are distasteful to canine and feline predators, and the sudden surprise of blood squirting can also serve as a shock tactic, allowing the lizard a chance to escape.

In the Central Americas, where many of these species are found, horned lizards exhibit distinct behavioral patterns, often governed by the thermal environment. They are most active in the morning when the temperature is milder. During midday and early afternoon heat, they will often burrow into the sand or seek shade under rocks to regulate their body temperature and conserve moisture.

The preferred substrate for these reptiles is sandy and soft, allowing for easy burrowing. Their cryptic coloration, resembling the rocks and sands they inhabit, provides them an excellent means of avoiding detection by predators and unsuspecting prey.