The Herpetarium 
 The Herps of Blue Haven 
 Field Guide 
 History 
 Photos 

• Habitat: Rocky or sandy plains, or forested areas
• Food: Horny toads almost always eat ants, but may occasionally eat other insects, snails, sow bugs, and even small snakes.
• Life cycle: Litters of 6 to 31 are born alive in June and August

Horned lizards, commonly called “horny toads,” are very unique lizards. They are very easily distinguished from the fence lizards by their round, flat body, and they are also much slower than the other lizards.

God has given horny toads unique ways to escape predators. First of all, there are its “horns,” or spines. These may deter some predators, but many could probably eat the lizard horns and all. When chased, the horny toad will run a short distance, and then flatten itself on the ground. This, along with the camouflage provided by its scales, allow the horny toad to almost disappear, leaving the predator clueless. As a last resort, horny toads sometimes use their ability to squirt a stream of blood from the corner of their eye.

Horny toads’ main diet is ants. Since it isn’t very easy to provide this type of food in captivity, horny toads do not make good pets.

As a member of the Horned Lizard Conservation Society, my favorite lizards are horny toads. I encourage you to treat the horny toads well, since God has given them to us to enjoy. For more information about them, visit the Horned Lizard Conservation Society’s website at www.hornedlizards.org.