Watch a video of a horned lizard squirting blood ». They are the only species of horned toads that give birth to the young live. Other species of horned lizards lay eggs. In the Short-horned lizard, the eggs are retained within the mother until the live young are born. Short-horned Lizards give birth to babies.
The newborn are very small - measuring about 25 mm 1 inch long. Did you know? Short-horned Lizard adults weigh less than a quarter. A yearling is about the weight of a dime. They give birth to the young live. Predators include snakes, magpie, ravens, and hawks. Horny toads like to eat ants and beetles. Diet: Insectivore. Group Name: Lounge. Size: 2. Size relative to a teacup:. Least concern. Least Concern Extinct. Current Population Trend: Stable. This photo was submitted to Your Shot, our photo community on Instagram.
Follow us on Instagram at natgeoyourshot or visit us at natgeo. Share Tweet Email. Go Further. Animals Wild Cities This wild African cat has adapted to life in a big city. In zoos, these creatures are kept primarily for research purposes, especially species with populations in decline. In fact, Dallas and Fort Worth Zoo released captive bred hatchlings into wild habitats in September of , in an attempt to bolster declining populations.
This is a great accomplishment, as caring for these creatures in captivity can be difficult. They require very specific diets, which can make them difficult to keep and breed. They are well camouflaged, and when any threatening creatures are nearby they stand very still to avoid being seen.
They are most active during the day, and hide from potentially dangerous predators at night by retreating into rock crevices and other protective areas. Each species is different, and has slightly different reproductive strategies and behaviors.
The vast majority of species lay eggs, but the short-horned lizard actually gives birth to live young. The number of eggs laid per clutch depends on the species as well, and usually ranges from 10 to 30 eggs. After the eggs are laid it takes about a month or two before they will hatch. Once the young emerge they are fully self-sufficient and require no additional care. Certain species, for example the giant horned lizard Phrynosoma asio , also appreciate twigs or safe plants, such as grasses, for climbing.
Horned toads eat a diet similar to many other lizards -- think small invertebrates. Phrynosoma species, however, tend to have pretty specialized nutrition needs, with ants in particular often featuring highly on the menu. A diet consisting entirely of live crickets might be cheap but it isn't suitable. Research the exact needs of your species and ensure you can provide an adequate supply of the right foods, which might mean buying from specialist suppliers.
These lizards seem to become stressed easily by even the most careful handling, so avoid touching or picking them up unless essential.
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