Types of Horned Toads

These spiny reptiles, variously called horned or horny toads or horned frogs, are officially classified as horned lizards. Because ancient Anasazi, Mimbres, Navajo, Zuni and Hopi art features their images, scientists know they have existed in North America for thousands of years. Horned lizards have appeared from Mexico to southern Canada. Twelve to 14 species have been discovered, depending on the reporting source, but eight definitely reside in the United States.

  1. Decline of Horned Toads

    • Though horned toads are tough little creatures with several natural defenses, their numbers have declined greatly in the late 20th and early 21st centuries. A horned lizard has color patterns close to those of the earth, and can flatten itself to the ground so it does not cast a shadow or, conversely, can puff up to twice its normal size to fool predators. Some species shoot a stream of blood up to 3 ft. from glands beside their eyes. Generally, they do this just to startle their enemies, though the fluid can be toxic to dogs, coyotes and wolves. Still, along with these and other predators such as hawks, roadrunners, larger lizards, snakes and squirrels, more recent trends have contributed to the decimation of the horned toad population. Loss of habitat to urban development and loss of food supply lead the causes of this decline.

    Texas Varieties

    • Three species of horned toad are native to Texas, the state most associated with horned toads. Once found statewide, the Texas horned lizard was the first species to be identified and scientifically studied, according to the TexFiles website. These specimens have now vacated eastern and central Texas and moved west. Appropriately, they are the variety with the longest horns, though they are not the biggest overall. Males often reach 5 inches long, with females slightly larger. Round-tailed horned toads live in the western half of the state. Their distinguishing physical characteristic is a rock-like appearance that helps them hide in the landscape. A third, but rare, species, the short-horned lizard, may be found in the higher elevations of the Trans-Pecos region. Texas adopted the horned lizard as its state reptile in 1992. The same creature, called a horned frog, is the mascot of Texas Christian University.

    Other Southwestern Horned Toads

    • Besides Texas, the states of New Mexico, Arizona and California harbor the next-largest populations of this endangered reptile. The regal horned lizard of Arizona often reaches 7 inches long. With its crown of 10 horns, it is regarded as the largest variety. Some of these can also be seen in southwestern New Mexico. Coast horned lizards and flat-tailed species are California natives, but are rapidly declining in numbers.

    Horned Toads of the Pacific Northwest

    • Only two varieties, the pygmy short-horned and the desert horned lizard, have made their way so far north. The pygmy is a tiny specimen, sometimes only 2 inches long. This species is restricted to higher elevations in the area between northern California and the Canadian border. In contrast, the desert horned toad, identified by its blunt snout, makes its home in the arid regions of Oregon and Idaho.