Roundtail Horned Lizard
Phrynosoma modestum
Dorsum usually reflects the color of ground in habitat; usually gray but can be light brown or pale yellow. Tail, neck, and groin usually display darker colors than rest…
How to identify
Dorsum usually reflects the color of ground in habitat; usually gray but can be light brown or pale yellow. Tail, neck, and groin usually display darker colors than rest of body. Body flat and round with small head exhibiting crest of horns. When camouflaging, resemble a rock. Females and males breed in June or July and eggs hatch from July to August. Clutch sizes range from 9-18 eggs.
Range
Central United States and Mexico; southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, northern Texas, and San Luis Potosi.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including desert grassland and desert shrubland in areas with little vegetation. Prefers rocky soils near washes, desert flats, bajada slopes, and arid and semiarid hills. Burrows in rodent burrows while inactive and to lay eggs.
Variations
Although is usually active during the early morning and the day, can sometimes be spotted in the evening and into the night.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Genus
Phrynosoma
Greek for toad (phrynos) body (soma).
Origin
Sources
- Wiegmann, 1828. Isis von Oken, Vol. 21, p. 367 ↗
Phrynosoma. Wiegmann, 1828 - Isis von Oken, Vol. 21, p. 367
Species epithet
modestum
Latin for modest or unassuming.
Origin
Sources
- Girard, 1852. Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 6, p. 69 ↗
Phrynosoma platyrhinos. Girard, 1852 - Proc. Acad. Nat. Sci. Philadelphia, Vol. 6, p. 69
Explore more names in the etymology index.
At a glance
Range
Central United States and Mexico; southeastern Arizona, New Mexico, southeastern Colorado, northern Texas, and San Luis Potos…
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including desert grassland and desert shrubland in areas with little vegetation. Prefers rocky…
Guide
Reptiles and Amphibians of North America
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap