Horned Toads (Short-Horned Lizards), Horned Toad (Short-Horned Lizard) Pictures, Horned Toad (Short-Horned Lizard) Facts

Short-horned lizards have an array of defenses to dissuade would-be predators, including a spike-covered exterior and the ability in some species to shoot blood from their eyes.

Photograph courtesy Gary M. Stolz/U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service

Map

Horned Toad (Short-Horned Lizard) Range

Fast Facts

Type:: Reptile
Diet:: Carnivore
Size:: 2.5 to 6 in. (6.4 to 15.2 cm)
Group name:: Lounge
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:

The short-horned lizard is often referred to as a “horned toad” or “horny toad” because its squat, flattened shape and short, blunt snout give it a toad-ish look. There are over a dozen recognized species found in the deserts and semi-arid environments of North and Central America, from southern Canada to Guatemala.

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.

Despite their spiky features, short-horned lizards are preyed upon by a number of creatures, including hawks, roadrunners, snakes, lizards, dogs, wolves, and coyotes. Consequently, beyond their natural camouflage, they have adapted a pair of remarkable talents. In order to ward off hungry predators, short-horned lizards are capable of inflating their bodies up to twice their size, resembling a spiny balloon. And if this proves insufficient, some species employ one of the animal kingdom’s most bizarre defensive mechanisms: They shoot blood from their eyes.

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.

Over recent decades short-horn lizard populations have been in decline throughout their range. Destruction of their native habitat, efforts to eradicate ants—their staple food—and the pet trade have all contributed to this.

Reptile Videos

Other Reptiles

Reptile Features

Snake Pictures

Slither in to meet some of the largest, deadliest, and fastest snakes in the world.
Swamp Men" class="">
Swamp Men">Swamp Men

Welcome to Billie Swamp Safari, where things get wild.
King Cobra

Come eye-to-eye with the king cobra, the longest venomous snake in the world. Learn why it is the reptile of choice for exotic snake charmers.
Alligator and Crocodile Pictures

Take a dip with more of these prehistoric giants. But watch yourself; they do bite.

Please select a test to run

On Nat Geo WILD

TV Schedule »

Animal News

Animals

Animal News

Special Ad Section

From the Magazine

Gannets Pictures

Champion divers but clumsy landers, doting parents but hostile neighbors—northern gannets abound in contradictions.
Estonia's Ural Owls

Photographer Sven Začek provides an intimate view of this large raptor.