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| *The Texas Horned Lizard
(Phrynosoma cornutum) is an interesting little creature, and well
deserves to have his portrait taken. He is a member of an
unique group of North American lizards, collectively called Horned
Lizards, for the unusual hornlike spines on the back of the head,
and the small spines scattered over their back and sides.
These horns are not bone, but specialized body scales, a protection
from predators. They feed on beetles, spiders, and especially
the Red Harvester Ant. Generally associated with an arid environment, sandy soil, and sparse vegetation, they can at times be seen in the arroyos along the foothills of the Organ Mountains. When rainfall is plentiful, for example during El Niņo, Red Harvester Ants are abundant, and the likelihood of seeing these little fellows is higher. |
