Regal Horned Lizard

Range

Southern United States and northern Mexico; extreme southwestern New Mexico, south-central Arizona, western Chihuahua, northern Sinaloa, and Sonora.

Habitats

Prefers relatively flat terrain with some vegetation including canyons, hills, and lowers mountain slopes. Some females observed to dig holes as deep as 35 cm to lay eggs. Diet includes insects like spiders, sowbugs, and ants.

Identification

Named for displaying series of horns at the base of head resembling a crown. Rows of keeled scales occupy underside; row fringe scales runs up abdominal area. Overall body shape is wide, flat, and squat. Colors can include gray, brown, red, or yellow. Has the capacity to change colors to blend into current environment; change takes less than five minutes. Males and females mate in summer. Females lay eggs in late summer; clutches range from 7 to 33 eggs.

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