Smooth Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma platyrhinum, (Girard)

Colouration: Pinkish-gray or brownish-gray; a large, dark patch on each side of the nape. The back is marked with dark, wavy cross-bands, which may be very indistinct. Abdomen immaculate white.
Distribution: Abundant in the desert and sub-arid regions of eastern California, Arizona, Utah, Nevada and southern Idaho.

This abundant species differs from the other horned lizards having the ear drum covered with granular scales and possessing a fairly smooth skin, in the structure of the head spines, which are rudimentary. They are barely longer than the horizontal diameter of the eye-opening. There are two single rows of slightly enlarged scales on that portion of the chin embraced by the sharp, projecting plates beneath the lower labials. Scales of the abdomen smooth; two series of marginal, spiny scales at the edge of the abdomen--the lower but slightly developed.

Dimension.--Total Length . . . . . 5 inches.

Length of Head and Body . . . . . 3 7/16 inches.