20 facts about the Texas Horned Lizard:
The Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is a species of lizard native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico.
It is also known as the "horny toad" or the "horned frog", although it is not actually a toad or a frog.
Texas Horned Lizards have a distinctive appearance with a flattened, oval-shaped body, short legs, and a large head with two horns above the eyes.
They are covered in sharp, pointed scales that act as armor and protect them from predators.
Texas Horned Lizards can grow up to 5 inches in length, with males typically larger than females.
They are diurnal and primarily active during the day.
Texas Horned Lizards are slow-moving and prefer to rely on their camouflage and defensive armor to avoid predators.
They are also able to puff up their body to appear larger and more intimidating to predators.
Texas Horned Lizards are primarily insectivorous and feed on a variety of ants, beetles, and other small insects.
They have a unique method of catching prey - they remain motionless and wait for insects to come within striking distance, then shoot out their sticky, retractable tongue to catch them.
Texas Horned Lizards are oviparous, meaning they lay eggs rather than giving birth to live young.
Females lay clutches of up to 30 eggs at a time, which hatch after about 45-60 days.
Baby Texas Horned Lizards are born with a similar appearance to adults but are smaller and less heavily armored.
They are relatively docile and can be kept as pets, although they require a large enclosure with plenty of hiding places and a substrate that allows for burrowing.
Texas Horned Lizards are not considered a threatened species, but their populations are declining due to habitat loss, fragmentation, and over-collection for the pet trade.
They play an important role in their ecosystem as predators of insects and as prey for larger predators such as birds and snakes.
Texas Horned Lizards have a long history in Native American cultures, where they are revered as a symbol of strength and resilience.
They are also the official state reptile of Texas.
Texas Horned Lizards are able to shoot blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism, although this is a rare occurrence and only happens when they feel threatened.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect Texas Horned Lizards and their habitat, including the establishment of protected areas and captive breeding programs.
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