Family: Phrynosomatidae, Earless and Horned Lizards view all from this family
Description 3-5 3/8" (7.6-13.6 cm). Flat-bodied; relatively short spines crown head; 1 row of pointed scales fringes trunk. Belly scales smooth. Red, tan, or dark gray, with wavy crossbands on sides of head, dark blotches on sides of neck.
Subspecies Three; 2 in our range:
Northern Desert Horned Lizard (P. p. platyrhinos), speckled belly, rounded tail; Oregon and s. Idaho south through w. Utah and most of Nevada.
Southern Desert Horned Lizard (P. p. calidiarum), speckled belly, slightly flattened tail; extreme s. Nevada and Utah to w. Arizona and se. California into n. Baja California.
Breeding Mates April to May; 6-10 eggs are laid June to July.
Habitat Areas of sandy, gravelly soil, windblown sand; flat arid stretches where rocks or scrub vegetation are present.
Range Se. Oregon and s. Idaho south through e. California and w. Arizona into Mexico.
Discussion Diurnal. If discovered in the open this lizard usually sits quietly, depending on camouflage for safety. When near vegetation, it will dash for cover under the nearest bush. If provoked, it hisses, threatens to bite.
