Regal Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma regale, (Girard)

Colouration: Pale brown, with a narrow, pale band on the back. There are two obscure, dark blotches on the neck and three or four dark blotches on each side of the back. All the markings are obscure. Beneath, the colour is yellowish white, with or without spots.
Dimensions: Total Length (Grows to 7 inches) . . . . . 5 1/4 inches.
Distribution: Southern Arizona--the Gila and Colorado Deserts; Sonora, Mexico.
Habits: As a captive, this is one of the most hardy species of the horned lizards. When handled it tries to defend itself by thrusting its head upward and backward, thus bringing the spines vigorously into contact with one's fingers.

In every character, this is the finest species of the genus. It attains a considerable size (for the genus) and the circlet of large, flat spines upon the rear of the head at once impart a unique aspect. There are four large central head spines and three spines upon each temple. All of these spines or horns are in such perfect alignment that a crown-like effect is produced.

Of all the species of Phrynosoma, this stands unique in the possession of four central head spines (occipital spines). The plates beneath and parallel with the lower lip plates (labials) are exceedingly projecting. There are two rows of enlarged scales on each side of the chin. The scales of the abdomen are smooth. There is a single row of spine-like scales along the side, and beneath this, for a portion of the body's length, a much smaller fringe.

The large scales of the back have four keels, which combine in forming a sharp point.

Length of Tail . . . . . 1 5/8 inches.

Greatest Width of Body . . . . . 2 1/4 inches.

Length of Outer Pair of Central Horns . . . . . 3/8 inches.

This species has usually been considered very rare and is seldom seen in collections, and the writer was much surprised to examine a dozen living specimens, received in one shipment, from Phoenix, Arizona, that had been collected by Mr. George F. Breninger. Following is a portion of a letter from Mr. Breninger:

"The horned toad I am now sending you is the true form of the desert." (This refers to a specimen of Phrynosoma calidiarum). "It is quite a different 'toad' from those taken about the city" (P. regale) "which, I believe, have been brought from elsewhere, for ten years ago they were rare."

The writer has also received several specimens of the Regal Horned Lizard from Tucson, Arizona. These were especially large specimens, with quite distinct markings and pink horns.