Texas Horned Lizard

Phrynosoma cornutum, (Harlan)

Colouration: The markings are very distinct. A vividly-defined, yellow band on the back, extends from immediately behind the head and down the tail. On each side of the nape is a large, dark blotch. Three dark rounded spots on each side of the back, usually bordered in the rear with 3 narrow crescent of bright yellow. On the top of the head are three dark bands; beneath the eye are three wider bands. Abdomen yellow with numerous dark, round spots.
Dimensions: Following are the dimensions of a large specimen from Texas:
Distribution: In the Central States this species occurs as far eastward as Missouri, and has been recorded in western Illinois, though it does not, at the present time, appear to exist as far east as the locality of the latter record. Farther south, its most easterly limit is western Arkansas and thence on a line southward to Galveston, Texas. Westward the species ranges throughout the great state of Texas, through New Mexico, Arizona and into eastern California. Its most northerly limit in the United States, appears to be Nebraska. In Mexico it occurs in the states of Chihuahua and Sonora. It is most abundant in Texas.
Habits: The habits are in no way different from the other horned lizards described. It is fairly hardy in captivity, but does not live so well as the California species, or the fine, Regal Horned Lizard of the Arizona deserts.

Most widely distributed and abundant of all the horned lizards. It is the proverbial horned "toad" brought back by the Eastern traveller from his trip to Texas.

The head spines are large. There are two central horns, rounded and directed rather sharply upward. On each temple are three successively larger horns, the last or rear one slightly smaller than the central pair (occipital horns). Slightly beneath the lower lip plates (labials) is a row of enlarged and projecting plates. On each side of the central region of the chin is a single row of enlarged scales. Among the great majority of specimens, the scales of the abdomen are keeled; a few have faintly keeled or smooth scales. There are two well-developed series of marginal, spiny scales.

This is a very stout, rounded species, with a small, thin tail. Its outlines are in strong contrast to the preceding one.

Total Length. . . . . 6 inches.

Length of Tail. . . . . 1 7/8 inches.

Width of Body. . . . . 2 3/8 inches.

Length of Central Horns. . . . . 7/16 inches.