Horned Lizard

About

How horned lizard lives

Horned lizards are flat-bodied reptiles with spiny head crests that specialize in eating ants. Some horned lizards can squirt blood from the eyes as a defense. Desert animals conserve water carefully and often avoid the hottest hours of the day.

Conservation

Status and habitat pressure

Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure. Protecting horned lizard also depends on keeping desert, grassland habitats healthy and connected.

Common species still depend on habitat quality, clean water, food webs, and low disturbance.

Quick Facts

Things to notice

• Some horned lizards can squirt blood from the eyes as a defense.
• Reptiles depend on external heat sources, so basking and shade are part of their daily routine.
• Desert animals conserve water carefully and often avoid the hottest hours of the day.
• Stable populations still depend on habitat quality, food availability, and low human pressure.