Horned lizard is a group of North American lizards with flattened, toadlike bodies. They are often called horned toads or horny toads because of their resemblance to toads. There are more than a dozen species (kinds). Horned lizards grow 21/2 to 61/2 inches (6.4 to 16.5 centimeters) long. Their bodies are covered with sharp spines. Large hornlike spines project from the back of their head. Their spiny armor protects them from attacking animals. When attacked, horned lizards sometimes squirt little streams of blood from their eyes. This ability may help them ward off such predators as coyotes.
Horned lizards live in deserts and other dry regions of the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Their colors resemble the colors of their surroundings and make them hard to find. These lizards move slowly and feed chiefly on insects, especially ants. Most species lay eggs. In a few species, the young are born living.
