Pygmy Short-Horned Lizard

Range

Central Washington, central Oregon, extreme northeast California, northern Nevada and southern Idaho. Isolated population lives in extreme southern British Columbia, Canada.

Habitats

Inhabit sagebrush, grass plains, pine forests, and open sandy or rocky flats. Known especially for burrowing, they prefer habitats with loose soil to create their own burrows or occupy those of rodents. Can live in colder environments than other horned lizards and will be most active at midday during the spring, summer, and fall. Ingest mainly ants, small grasshoppers and other invertebrates.

Identification

Body small and flat with enlarged pointed scales distributed across upper body and tail. Small horns on back of head extend out horizontally. Either side of body exhibits a row of fringe scales; tail is short and triangular. Dorsum is near-white, gray, tan, yellowish, brown, or black and has two rows of large dark spots. The belly is white or cream and scales are smooth. Males are usually smaller than females and possess enlarged postanal scales. During the breeding season, males' tails will swell. Young are born live between July and September and litters will range between 3 to 15 young.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians