Short-horned Lizard
Art by Jackie Blurton
Nature Note by Dr. Roland Shook
The Short-horned Lizard is one of four species of horned lizards found in New Mexico. Members of the group are characterized by their squat, flattened appearance, and the presence of spines or 'horns' that adorn the head.
This species, including its five subspecies, has the greatest range of any North American horned lizard. In New Mexico, the Short-horned Lizard, occupies a wide variety of habitats from the spruce-fir forests to the semi-desert grasslands. Found in the western two-thirds of the state, it is most common in relatively open habitats.
Short-horned Lizards mate from March through May with the young being born alive from the end of June through September. There are approximately 16-23 young per litter, each able to fend for themselves within an hour of birth.
The primary food items of this species are ants with supplemental prey items of beetles and grasshoppers. According to C. Painter's account, this species is named after David Douglas who collected the original specimen. Douglas traveled extensively throughout the Pacific Northwest collecting plants in collaboration with the Hudson Bay Company.
The Texas Horned Lizard, a closely related species also found in New Mexico, is the famous "horned toad" of western stories.
