One of the trademark residents of the Arizona landscape is a horned lizard.  There are actually six (6) different species of horned lizards found within the state.  Commonly — but mistakenly — known as the “horny toad”, this is a reptile with dry scaly skin which scuttles along the ground; and, quite unlike the amphibious toads, this lizard cannot hop.

This particular species is known as the Greater Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi).  A very good identification clue as to which horned lizard species is saying “Hello” to the mascot, Widget, is by the prominent gap between the horns on the back of this lizard’s head in combination with a single row of large, white, pointy scales along its side.

This Greater Short-horned Lizard is not strictly a desert dweller.  Instead, it is found in semi-desert grasslands and up into pine forests on mountains.  This lizard is more tolerant of colder weather and is likely to remain still, relying on its camouflage as opposed to running away.  Another very unique defense mechanism is to squirt a narrow stream of blood from its eye at a predator up to three feet away.  This blood is also slightly noxious or sickening to dogs and coyotes.

The primary food for all horned lizards is ants.  These hungry insectivores will often sit alongside an ant trail, resting comfortably while lapping up the ants as they scurry by.  When ants are not available, they will readily eat spiders, beetles, and other insects.