Texas horned lizard (female)

Description:

This lizard has a flat body. The two central horns on the back of the head are longer than the two lateral horns. There are two rows of fringe scales (small, spiny scales along each lateral side of the body). The background color varies with the soil color, but is usually tan, reddish, yellow, gray, or brown with a light colored stripe down the midline. The ear openings are readily visible. (information from "A Field Guide to Oklahoma's Amphibians and Reptiles")

Habitat:

Open prairie / cattle pastures

Notes:

This was a very special find for me and I saved it an extra day so it could be my 400th spotting on Project Noah. I have lived in Oklahoma most of my life, and the Texas horned lizard used to be plentiful here. As is the case in most of its range, its numbers are in serious decline. The only place I have consistently seen this species is out in the panhandle where people haven't taken over. I have lived in my current location for just over 5 years now and this is the first horned lizard I have found. She was sitting on the gravel road and had crawled out after I had passed by originally. When I double-backed to return home from searching for birds and other wildlife, she was lying on the road, basking in the morning sun. You may have noticed that her tail is short, and that appears to be from an old injury. Perhaps a predator got hold of her and she managed to get away. Regardless, she seemed healthy and spry and I'm thankful that we crossed paths that morning. She has certainly moved into my Spotting of the Year to date. :-)