Greater Short-horned Lizard

Greater Short-horned Lizard, Phrynosoma hernandesi

The Greater Short-horned Lizard is one of three species of horned lizards found within Texas, one of eight species found within the United States, and one of twelve species within North America. In Texas, it is best distinguished physically from the other two by its shorter horns, heart-shaped head, and single row of scales fringing its body. While limited in Texas to western portions and higher elevations, the Greater Short-horned lizard ranges along the range of the Rocky Mountains and up into Canada. They are an insectivore, eating a wide variety of invertebrates, including harvest ants, but without it make up most of its diet unlike its Texas Horned Lizard cousin. Although they were once thought common, their population has made a noticeable decline. A lack of study and poor survey coverage unfortunately leave their true population status as unknown.