Fun Pygmy Short Horned Lizard Facts For Kids
Gallery
Pygmy short-horned lizards (Phrynosoma douglassii) are tiny 1.5-2.3 in (4-6 cm) long, spherical, flat-bodied lizards with little horns (spiny scales) on its head and body.
The species ranges in color and pattern from a tan-brown-gray with dark blotches, but typically matches the color of the loose soil and rocks within shrubs, bunchgrasses, and dry woodland habitats where it still exists.
The P. hernandesi is sometimes confused with its near relative, the larger P. hernandesi, which has the same basic body pattern of little pointed scales around the head and back.
This lizard species range is in the north-west United States and extreme southern British Columbia. They have short legs with a triangular tail. Horned lizards, like humans, are connected to the first Paleozoic terrestrial animals according to their genetic history. After reading these facts, do check out our other articles on the caiman and the crested gecko.
Pygmy Short Horned Lizard Interesting Facts
What type of animal is a pygmy short horned lizard?
They are lizards. The species name, douglasii, is named after Scottish botanist David Douglas.
What class of animal does a pygmy short horned lizard belong to?
This species belongs to the reptile class of animals and have a binomial name, Phrynosoma douglassii
How many pygmy short horned lizards are there in the world?
This species is characterized by a large number of occurrences spread over its historical range/ habitat (natural history). The number of instances with high viability is unknown, although the adult species are most likely numerous.
The entire adult population range is unknown, although it is certain to surpass 10,000. The occurrence range, region of habitation, and adult population range of the species appear to be generally constant.
Where does a pygmy short horned lizard live?
The pygmy short-horned lizard range extends from central and eastern Washington and Oregon into northern California and Nevada, as well as the majority of southern Idaho, where it may be found in the Great Basin and adjacent regions.
It was discovered as recently as 2015 in Okanogan County, Washington State. Only two specimens were ever recovered in Canada from a single observer between 1898- 1910, and two further probable sightings were recorded near the habitat of Osoyoos in British Columbia in 1937-1957.
They are the most wide-ranging in North America.
What is a pygmy short horned lizard' habitat?
Its habitat is found over most of the Northwest's wide, semi-arid sandy habitat. However, it may also be found in sunny clearings within pine forests on the eastern side of the Cascade Mountains.
Surprisingly, populations may be found all the way up the Cascade crest, close to timberline at around 7,000 ft (2133.6 m).
In that cold alpine habitat, with its relatively brief warm season, these tough tiny lizards undoubtedly spend more time hibernating than basking in the sun each year.
According to recent research, when winter approaches, short-horned lizards bury themselves in 4-5 in (10.1-12.7 cm) of loose soil for months at a time. When the reviving warmth of spring arrives, this species reemerged from their sandy homes, feasting on their staple diet, the ant.
Who does the pygmy short horned lizard live with?
They live on their own in their habitat
How long does a pygmy short horned lizard live?
In its native environment, the horned toad has a life span of at least five years, and there is one case when one of them survived for eight years, which is considered a long life.
How do they reproduce?
From late March through June, short-horned Lizards emerge from hibernation. Mating takes place shortly after they emerge.
Males of this species are territorial and use head bobbing displays to promote their territory. When a receptive female enters his area, the male and female will momentarily bob their heads before mating. They are the only ones in their species that give birth to live offspring.
The eggs are maintained within the mother until live offspring are born around two months later (August to mid-September). They have 7-10 babies. The newborn is quite tiny, measuring around 1 in (2.5 cm) in length.
It has a lot of children. Their broad abdomens allow them to carry bigger broods than other lizards, allowing them to give birth to up to 48 live offspring.
What is their conservation status?
They're listed under Least Concern.
Pygmy Short Horned Lizard Fun Facts
What does the pygmy short horned lizard look like?
It has tiny horns on its head and body in comparison to other ornately armored horned lizards. The color of the species varies, but generally resembles the color of the earth and rocks while they are immobile, making them difficult to identify.
The colors are gray, yellowish, or reddish-brown, and the back has two rows of big dark dots. When they are intimidated or aggressive, their colors intensify. It has a short triangular tail.
How cute are they?
It has just pointed nubbins on its skull, as the name suggests and it is, in fact, a pygmy. Most "big" adults are just 2-3 in (5-7.6 cm) long. If any reptile can be deemed cute, it is this tiny species.
How do they communicate?
They communicate with one another by moving their heads up and down, generally when they are seeking a mate.
How big is a pygmy short horned lizard?
The pygmy short-horned lizard size is 1.25–2.5 in (3.1–6.3 cm) long. They have a snub snout and short legs. One row of sharp scales fringes the trunk, but the belly scales are smooth.
How fast can a pygmy short horned lizard move?
When threatened by its predators, it can move quite rapidly.
How much does a pygmy short horned lizard weigh?
An adult lizard is small enough to fit in the palm of a child's hand. A yearling weighs between 0.06-0.09 lb (27.2-40.8 g).
What are the male and female names of the species?
Both males and females are known as horned lizards.
What would you call a baby pygmy short horned lizard?
A newborn is not given a name but is referred to as a juvenile horny toad.
What do they eat?
Pygmy short-horned lizard diet varies between environments, but primarily between age and sex classes; neonates eat nearly solely ants (89 %), adults have fewer ants (72 %), and yearlings have the least amount of ants (60 %).
Are they dangerous?
They aren't aggressive, but they have a strong reaction to their predators, such as dogs, hawks and wolves. They shake their heads, salivate heavily, and attempt to remove substances from their lips.
It takes around 15 minutes to recover. A substance in the blood connects to receptors in the canid's mouth, receptors that humans appear to lack.
When blood is given straight into the mouth rather than the eyes or nose, it is most effective. This might explain why horned lizards frequently squirt at the last second when they are already in their attacker's jaws.
The lizards most likely obtain the noxious toxin in their blood from their diet. They eat primarily ground beetles and ants, and many of them devour a very poisonous harvester ant.
Would they make a good pet?
If you happen to come across one of these fascinating Northwest endemic lizards, please don't carry it back home to keep as a terrarium pet. Horned lizards of all species do not fare well in captivity due to their specific diet of ants and they typically die young.
Furthermore, pygmy short-horned lizards are now listed as protected by the Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife, making it illegal to take one from the wild. Pygmy short-horned lizard, shooting blood from its eyes, has been spotted.
Did you know...
When these lizards move swiftly to seek or avoid falling prey to coyotes, snakes, or other predators, they display survivalist behavior.
The many kinds of wild horny toads are suffering as a result of human intervention in eliminating the ant population. The food of poisonous harvester ants may also play a role.
A horned lizards' blood squirt may reach heights of 5 ft (1.5 m)!
Why is the short-horned lizard endangered?
Conversion of shrubsteppe to agriculture, which results in the loss and deterioration of appropriate habitat, is a conservation concern to the pygmy short-horned lizard. To counter this issue, conservation activities must involve the formulation and implementation of a strategy to guarantee that enough appropriate shrubsteppe is preserved to support healthy populations of this species.
A lack of status and distribution information is another threat. To solve this issue, further research, surveys, and monitoring are required.
Do pygmy short horned lizards play dead?
A horned lizard may play dead in reaction to a threat, or it may run away and then turn back to confront its assailant, hissing or vibrating its tail in leaf litter. Several animals have the ability to burst tiny capillaries around their eyes and spray a bloody solution towards potential predators.
Here at Kidadl, we have carefully created lots of interesting family-friendly animal facts for everyone to discover! For more relatable content, check out these mangrove snake facts and yellow anaconda facts for kids.
You can even occupy yourself at home by coloring in one of our free printable texas horned lizard coloring pages.
Second image by Walter Siegmund.
We Want Your Photos!
More for You
See All
Bachelor of Fashion Technology specializing in Fashion Merchandising
Shivangi PandeyBachelor of Fashion Technology specializing in Fashion Merchandising
Shivangi is pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Fashion Technology from the National Institute of Fashion Technology. She has a strong passion for the English language and communication, with a keen interest in fashion blogging. Shivangi's educational background and interests complement her ability to create engaging and informative content for readers.
Postgraduate Diploma in Management
Sakshi RaturiPostgraduate Diploma in Management
Sakshi has experience in marketing strategy, social media planning, and recruiting industry experts for capstone projects, she has displayed a commitment to enhancing their skills and knowledge. She has won multiple awards, including a Certificate of Appreciation for Creative Writing and a Certificate of Merit for Immaculate Turut, and is always seeking new opportunities to grow and develop.
Disclaimer
1) Kidadl is independent and to make our service free to you the reader we are supported by advertising. We hope you love our recommendations for products and services! What we suggest is selected independently by the Kidadl team. If you purchase using the Buy Now button we may earn a small commission. This does not influence our choices. Prices are correct and items are available at the time the article was published but we cannot guarantee that on the time of reading. Please note that Kidadl is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon. We also link to other websites, but are not responsible for their content.
2) At Kidadl, we strive to recommend the very best activities and events. We will always aim to give you accurate information at the date of publication - however, information does change, so it’s important you do your own research, double-check and make the decision that is right for your family. We recognise that not all activities and ideas are appropriate for all children and families or in all circumstances. Our recommended activities are based on age but these are a guide. We recommend that these ideas are used as inspiration, that ideas are undertaken with appropriate adult supervision, and that each adult uses their own discretion and knowledge of their children to consider the safety and suitability. Kidadl cannot accept liability for the execution of these ideas, and parental supervision is advised at all times, as safety is paramount. Anyone using the information provided by Kidadl does so at their own risk and we can not accept liability if things go wrong.
3) Because we are an educational resource, we have quotes and facts about a range of historical and modern figures. We do not endorse the actions of or rhetoric of all the people included in these collections, but we think they are important for growing minds to learn about under the guidance of parents or guardians.
