Mexican horned lizard
A species of Horned lizards, Also known as Horny toads Scientific name : Phrynosoma taurus Genus : Horned lizards
Mexican horned lizard, A species of Horned lizards
Also known as:
Horny toads
Scientific name: Phrynosoma taurus
Genus: Horned lizards
Content
Description General Info
Photo By boletusreticulatus , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Description
The Mexican horned lizard (Phrynosoma taurus) is a horned lizard species native to Mexico. Horned lizards are sometimes referred to as "horned toads" or "horny toads", although they are not toads. Compared to other members of the horned lizards (genus Phrynosoma), little is known about this species.
General Info
Lifespan
5-8 years
Diet
Mexican horned lizard is a predominantly insectivorous species with a preference for ants and beetles. It employs sit-and-wait tactics to capture the unsuspecting insects, thereby maximizing energy efficiency.
Appearance
Mexican horned lizard is a small, stout lizard with rough, grainy skin. It displays a dominant brown to reddish-brown coloration which helps with camouflage. Most distinctively, it has two rows of large, horn-like scales running down its back, giving an illusion of bulk. Both males and females look alike without substantial differences in color or size.
Behavior
Mexican horned lizard is a diurnal species, typically exhibiting foraging behavior during the cooler parts of the day, mainly feeding on ants. It has cryptic behavior, blending with its rocky desert surroundings as a camouflage tactic. It's territorial, often posturing or flattening its body to appear larger when threatened or defending its territory. Generally, mexican horned lizard is a solitary creature, with occasional encounters during the mating season.
Population
Stable
Photo By boletusreticulatus , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
North american spiny lizards Genus
Horned lizards Species
Mexican horned lizard