Northern desert horned lizard facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Northern desert horned lizard |
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Scientific classification  |
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| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Iguania |
| Family: | Phrynosomatidae |
| Genus: | Phrynosoma |
| Species: | |
| Subspecies: |
P. p. platyrhinos
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| Trinomial name | |
| Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos Girard, 1852
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The northern desert horned lizard (scientific name: Phrynosoma platyrhinos platyrhinos) is a type of desert horned lizard. It's a subspecies, which means it's a specific group within a larger species. Another subspecies is the southern desert horned lizard. People sometimes call this lizard a "horny toad." This is because of its wide body and flat nose. But don't be fooled, it's actually a lizard, not a toad!
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What Does the Northern Desert Horned Lizard Look Like?
This lizard is quite small. It measures about 2.5 to 3.8 inches (6.4 to 9.7 cm) from its nose to its tail base. With its tail, it can reach up to 5.5 inches (14 cm) long. Like all horned lizards, it has special horns on the back of its head. It also has sharp scales on its back.
Its color changes to match its home. You might see them in shades of red, brown, gray, or tan. This helps them blend in with the soil and rocks around them. Adult male lizards are usually smaller than the females. Their body is flat and oval-shaped. This flat shape helps them avoid being seen by predators.
What Does the Northern Desert Horned Lizard Eat?
The northern desert horned lizard mostly eats ants. Eating ants might even help them do something amazing! They can shoot blood from near their eyes. They also eat other insects and small creatures without backbones, called invertebrates.
This lizard has a clever way to hunt. It digs itself into the sand. Only its head is left showing. Then, it waits for its prey to walk by. Sometimes, they will also eat small plants and berries.
How Does the Northern Desert Horned Lizard Behave?
These lizards love the sun! They often bask in the sun. This happens in the morning and evening. It helps them warm up.
When they feel threatened, these lizards have a unique defense. They can squirt blood from the corners of their eyes! But this is only for very serious emergencies. Usually, they try to run away first. They might hide in a nearby bush. Or they could dive into a rodent's burrow. They can also quickly bury themselves in the sand. If someone grabs them, they will puff up. They might hiss and try to stab with their horns. They will also try to bite. If they are still bothered, that's when the blood-squirting starts.
Where Does the Northern Desert Horned Lizard Live?
The northern desert horned lizard is found in North America. It lives mainly in the Great Basin Desert area. Most of them live in Nevada. Their home also stretches into parts of Idaho, Utah, and Oregon.
