Texas Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma cornutum

The Texas Horned Lizard, affectionately called the horned toad, is an iconic species of the American Southwest. It has a remarkable defense: squirting blood from its eyes at predators. Declining due to fire ant invasion and habitat loss.

Habitat

Arid grasslands, sandy scrub, and open areas with loose soil

Diet

Harvester ants primarily, also beetles and grasshoppers

How common

Uncommon

Recent Texas Horned Lizard sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Texas Horned Lizard? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More reptiles & amphibians

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus ochrophaeus

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macrochelys temminckii

American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus