Greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)

Phrynosoma hernandesi, commonly known as the Greater short-horned lizard or Hernandez's horned lizard, is a species of horned lizard native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. This lizard species is named after Francisco Hernández, a Spanish naturalist who studied the natural history of Mexico.

The Greater short-horned lizard has a distinctive appearance characterized by a squat body, short limbs, and a spiky texture. It typically measures around 3 to 5 inches (8 to 13 centimeters) in snout-to-vent length, with a short tail. The body is covered in small, pointed scales, giving it a rough and textured appearance. This species has prominent horns on the back of its head, which are shorter in comparison to some other horned lizard species.

The coloration of the Greater short-horned lizard can vary, but it generally exhibits shades of brown, gray, or tan. The body is often adorned with patterns, blotches, or bands that provide camouflage against its desert habitat. The coloration and patterns can also change in response to environmental factors and the lizard's mood.

Greater short-horned lizards are primarily found in arid and semi-arid habitats, including desert grasslands, shrublands, and rocky areas. They are well-adapted to these environments, utilizing their specialized skin texture and coloration for thermoregulation and camouflage. Similar to other horned lizards, they have the ability to inflate their bodies when threatened, making themselves appear larger and more intimidating.

The diet of the Greater short-horned lizard consists mainly of ants, which make up the majority of its food source. It has specialized adaptations, including a specialized jaw structure and a sticky tongue, that aid in capturing and consuming ants efficiently. It may also consume other small invertebrates, such as beetles and spiders.

Breeding in greater short-horned lizards typically occurs in the spring or summer. After mating, the female lays a clutch of eggs in a shallow nest dug in the soil. The eggs incubate for several weeks before hatching, and the hatchlings emerge as miniature replicas of the adults.

The greater short-horned lizard, Phrynosoma hernandesi, is an intriguing and well-adapted species known for its unique appearance and ecological role in arid habitats. Its ability to thrive in challenging environments and its specialized ant-eating habits contribute to the diversity and balance of its ecosystem. However, habitat loss, fragmentation, and collection for the pet trade have posed threats to its populations in certain areas, emphasizing the importance of conservation efforts to protect this species.