Horned Lizard (AKA Horny Toad)

He's so cute.

They are kind of cute, but apparently when stressed, shoot blood out of their eyeballs!! Glad he was relaxed for the camera today.

I'm glad to see this photo. . . I heard they were near extinction due to fire ants attacking their nests. . . he's certainly a cute fellow. .

Nice shot, Kim. I was shocked to find one of these (or a very close variant) behind my backyard near Charleston, SC in 1966 or 1967. I always associated them with arid or semi-arid areas.

 

--Lannie

"The Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) is one of 14 North American species of spikey-bodied reptiles called horned lizards. The Texas species ranges from Colorado and Kansas to northern Mexico, and from southeastern Arizona to Louisiana and Arkansas. Texas is the heart of its range. [1] There are also isolated, introduced populations in the Carolinas, Georgia, and northern Florida. [2]" --Wikipedia.

 

Yep, this must have been him.

 

--Lannie

Ed said the last time he saw one was about 30-35 years ago. I've heard they are nearing extinction, too. Hopefully not!

Comments on this lizard, also known as Horny Toad. Thanks!

Adorable! I hope the fire ants don't get them. You really got a great pose here.

Nice Capture.... Used to find and keep these as pets when I was a lad and lived across the street from a chicken ranch surrounded by fields in southern California... Never did see one shoot blood out of it's eyes... Another urban mtyh I be thinkin... Cheers, r.