Texas Horned Lizard

Say howdy to the Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum), which is one of more than a dozen horned lizard species in North America. Often referred to as horny toads, these interesting reptiles have a broad range that includes Arizona’s southeast corner. Unlike their taxonomic counterparts, regal horned lizards, which have four occipital horns, Texas horned lizards have only two. Like some other members of their genus, though, they can squirt blood from their eyes to confuse predators. These diurnal creatures achieve their plump physiques by eating a diet that consists primarily of ants and is supplemented by beetles and organic debris.