Map: Horned toad range

Horned Toad (Short-Horned Lizard) Range

Fast Facts

2.5 to 6 in. (6.4 to 15.2 cm)
Group name:
Did you know?
Some species of short-horned lizards are capable of squirting blood from the corners of their eyes when attacked.
Size relative to a tea cup

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Species are distinguishable by the formidable crown of horns adorning their head and the numerous spines across their back. Their coloring can be yellowish, gray, or reddish-brown depending on the environment they inhabit, and, combined with their shape, affords them considerable camouflage on the surface. They feed primarily on ants, waiting for one to unsuspectingly crawl by before snapping it in and swallowing it whole. They are also known to eat grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders.


The ominous squirting blood emanates from ducts in the corners of their eyes and can travel a distance of up to three feet (one meter). It’s meant to confuse would-be predators, but also contains a chemical that is noxious to dogs, wolves, and coyotes.


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