Arizona Horned Toad

Regal Horned Lizard. Creative Commons

The "horned toad" is not a toad. It's really a lizard that is known by many names such as horn toads, horned lizards and horny toads. They look rather frightening and evil with pointy thorn-like projections all over their body. But these creatures are docile and completely harmless. They resemble miniature dragons that could related to the dinosaur age. Maybe they are. Ancient artifacts that are thousands of years old have been discovered inscribed with images of the horned lizard.

Horny toads are relatively small lizards but their fierce appearance is a defensive benefit against some predators. Hawks, owls and snakes could be a bit apprehensive about eating something that looks so dangerous. When threatened they will inflate their bodies and hiss making them appear larger and even more frightening. Some species can even shoot a stream of blood from the corners of their eyes. A hungry coyote may well have second thoughts about having a horny lizard for dinner.

Characteristics of The Arizona Horny Toad

Depending upon species, of which there are many, adults range in size from about 3 to 7 inches. They all share the common physical traits of dragon-like appearance with wide flattened bodies covered with spines and pointed horns. Their tails are short, yet broad at the base. The body has the appearance of being covered with natural body armor.

The diet of horned lizards consists of ants and small insects which fall victim to very fast flick of a sticky tongue. Upon emerging from shallow burrows in early morning, they must bask in the sun to reach a specific body temperature before foraging for food.

As ground heat increases during the day the lizard seeks shade under bushes. In the evening they use their nose and spiny sides to wiggle (dig) into loose soil or sand to cover themselves about 2 to 3 inches deep. They hibernate in late fall and emerge during spring.

Horny toads mate in late April and lay clutches of up 45 eggs during late summer. Tiny hatchlings break free from their eggs in a few weeks and immediately begin hunting. Only about half reach adulthood since they are so vulnerable to predators. It is interesting that mothers of the young do not provide parental protection of care. Average life span is 5 to 8 years.

Habitat of The Horned Lizard

There are 14 recognized species of horned lizards that inhabit the west from Arkansas to the Pacific Coast. Six species are unique to the Sonoran and Mohave Deserts of Arizona, Southeastern California and Northern Mexico. Those that thrive in the state of Arizona are often called "Desert Horned Lizards" which include Roundtail, Flattail and Regal horned lizards.

While most live in the desert regions they also exist at high elevations including pine-forested areas. Some inhabit the Grand Canyon, in and around Lake Powell, and areas in the Colorado River Basin.

Their numbers have diminished over the last several decades. If you come across a horned toad, just enjoy observing this interesting creature. Don't touch them and by all means do not consider taking them home as pets which is prohibited by the Arizona Game and Wildlife Department.