Species Reptiles & AmphibiansTexas Horned Lizard

Texas Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma cornutum

UncommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of 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

Best time to see a Texas Horned Lizard

The best time to see a Texas Horned Lizard is May–July, when about 67% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 11,345 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Texas Horned Lizard sightings near you

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

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