Taxonomy
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptile
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Iguanidae
- Genus
- Phrynosoma
Habitat
This species inhabits arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, favoring sandy or loose soils in deserts, grasslands, and scrublands. They are often found in areas with sparse vegetation where they can bask and hunt.
Diet
The Texas horned lizard primarily feeds on harvester ants, but also consumes other insects like beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. They employ a sit-and-wait strategy, ambushing prey during the day when ants are active.
Behavior
Texas horned lizards are diurnal and solitary, spending much of their time basking in the sun or burrowing to regulate body temperature. They exhibit defensive behaviors like inflating their bodies or squirting blood from their eyes to deter predators. They are territorial during mating season but otherwise avoid confrontation.
Conservation Status
The IUCN status is Least Concern, but populations are declining due to habitat loss from urbanization and agriculture, as well as collection for the pet trade.