Species profile
Desert Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma platyrhinos
Identify Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) from a photo: try it free in your browser, or get unlimited IDs, no sign-up, with the CatchRules app. Plus current fishing rules across 1 jurisdiction.
At a glance
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
Confirmed by 6,280 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with California, Nevada, and Utah the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- Can squirt blood from their eye sockets several feet as a chemical deterrent against predators like coyotes.
- A highly flattened body allows them to press flush against the ground and absorb solar heat quickly.
- Ants are their primary prey, often making up the majority of total food consumed.
- Found in sandy and gravelly habitats of the Mojave and Great Basin deserts.
- The pointed 'horns' on their head are elongated scales, not true horns.
Where Desert Horned Lizard are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Desert Horned Lizard
Background
The desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard native to western North America. They are often referred to as "horny toads", although they are not toads, but lizards.
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Desert Horned Lizard article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other reptiles on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Desert Horned Lizard?
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) is an IUCN Least Concern reptile with specific harvest rules tracked in 1 of 66 jurisdictions covered by CatchRules.
What is the scientific name for Desert Horned Lizard?
Desert Horned Lizard is Phrynosoma platyrhinos.
Is Desert Horned Lizard regulated for fishing?
Yes — Desert Horned Lizard has fishing regulations in 1 U.S. state and/or Canadian province tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Desert Horned Lizard?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules app for iPhone or Android — on-device identification recognizes Desert Horned Lizard along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.