Missouri Department of Conservation
Missouri Department of Conservation

Taxonomy

Common Name: LIZARD, TEXAS HORNED

Phylum: CHORDATA

Class: REPTILIA

Order: SQUAMATA

Family: IGUANIDAE

Genus: PHRYNOSOMA

Species: CORNUTUM

Taxonomic Authority: (HARLAN)

Taxonomy References:

Status

NONGAME
STATE RANK S2
GLOBAL RANK G4G5

Status References: 003

Habitat Summary

"Typical habitat is a patchwork of bare ground and vegetation *030*. Prefer dry flat areas with sparse vegetation and loose sandy soil."

Primary Habitat: "Grassland(matrix)"

References: 001 , 006 , 007 , 010 , 013 , 004 , 028

Distribution

General Occurrence in State:

"Occur in southwest Missouri but are uncommon *01*."

County Occurance

County Occurence
Known Likely Unknown Not Likely Historic Extirpated
BARRY BARTON ADAIR
JASPER NEWTON ANDREW
MCDONALD STONE ATCHISON
VERNON AUDRAIN
BATES
BENTON
BOLLINGER
BOONE
BUCHANAN
BUTLER
CALDWELL
CALLAWAY
CAMDEN
CAPE GIRARDEAU
CARROLL
CARTER
CASS
CEDAR
CHARITON
CHRISTIAN
CLARK
CLAY
CLINTON
COLE
COOPER
CRAWFORD
DADE
DALLAS
DAVIESS
DEKALB
DENT
DOUGLAS
DUNKLIN
FRANKLIN
GASCONADE
GENTRY
GREENE
GRUNDY
HARRISON
HENRY
HICKORY
HOLT
HOWARD
HOWELL
IRON
JACKSON
JEFFERSON
JOHNSON
KNOX
LACLEDE
LAFAYETTE
LAWRENCE
LEWIS
LINCOLN
LINN
LIVINGSTON
MACON
MADISON
MARIES
MARION
MERCER
MILLER
MISSISSIPPI
MONITEAU
MONROE
MONTGOMERY
MORGAN
NEW MADRID
NODAWAY
OREGON
OSAGE
OZARK
PEMISCOT
PERRY
PETTIS
PHELPS
PIKE
PLATTE
POLK
PULASKI
PUTNAM
RALLS
RANDOLPH
RAY
REYNOLDS
RIPLEY
SALINE
SCHUYLER
SCOTLAND
SCOTT
SHANNON
SHELBY
ST. CHARLES
ST. CLAIR
ST. FRANCOIS
ST. LOUIS
STE. GENEVIEVE
STODDARD
SULLIVAN
TANEY
TEXAS
WARREN
WASHINGTON
WAYNE
WEBSTER
WORTH
WRIGHT

References for distribution: 003

Distribution by Watersheds

Little Osage R.
Marmaton R.
Osage R. from Headwaters to Warsaw, MO.
Sac R.
South Grand R.
White R. above Tablerock Dam
James R.
Spring R.
Indian Creek

Comments: "Likely to occur in units listed, based on county occurrence."

Distribution by Ecoregions

Osage Plains, Ozark Highlands

Comments: ""

Distribution by Potential Natural Vegetation

Bluestem Prairie/Oak Hickory Forest
Cedar Glades
Oak-Hickory Forest
Oak-Hickory-Pine Forest

Distribution by Natural Divisions of Missouri

Ozark: Springfield Plateau
Ozark: Elk River
Ozark: White River
Osage Plains

Habitat Associations

Species is associated with "Terrestrial" habitats.

National Wetlands Inventory Association:

Aquatic Associations:

References for Aquatic Associations: 001 , 006 , 007 , 004

Habitat Types:

Limestone Glade
See Comments
Cereal Grain
Savanna (Grass-Shrub)

References for Habitat Types: 008 , 024 , 027 , 030

Terrestrial Natural Communities:

Primary
Glade
Limestone Glade
Dolomite Glade
Chert Glade
Sandstone Glade
Shale Glade
Igneous Glade

References for Terrestrial Natural Communities: 001 , 006 , 007 , 004 , 020

Food Habits

Trophic Level:

"Carnivore"

Larval Food Habits

Comments for larval food habits:
""

References for larval food habits:

Juvenile Food Habits

Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Juvenile Food Habits:
""

References Juvenile Food Habits 003 , 010

Adult Food Habits

Hymenoptera (sawflies, ants, wasps, bees); Not Specified
Terrestrial Insects; Not Specified
Arachnids (spiders, ticks, mites, scorpions, daddy longlegs); Not Specified
Insects Insects; Not Specified

Comments for Adult Food Habits:
""

References Adult Food Habits 003 , 006 , 010 , 011 , 012 , 029

Niche Requirements

Egg Niche Requirements

References for egg niches requirements:

Feeding Larvae Niche Requirements

References for feeding larvae niche requirements:

Resting Larvae Niche Requirements

References for resting Larvae niche requirements:

Feeding Juvenile Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type: loamy soil
Soil type: sandy soil
Agricultural crops: wheat
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs

References for feeding juvenile niche requirements:

Resting Juvenile Niche Requirements

Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Agricultural crops: wheat

References for resting juvenile niche requirements:

Breeding Adult Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type: loamy soil
Soil type: gravel soil
Soil type: sandy soil
Agricultural crops: wheat
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs

References for feeding Adult niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 007 , 004

Feeding Adult Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type: loamy soil
Soil type: sandy soil
Agricultural crops: wheat
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs

References for feeding adult niche requirements: 001 , 006 , 007 , 010 , 013 , 004

Resting Adult Niche Requirements

General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Soil type: loamy soil
Soil type: sandy soil
Agricultural crops: wheat
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs

References for resting adult niche requirements: 029

Niche Requirement Summary

Agricultural crops: wheat
Air temperature specified in comments(00290)
Bare ground (%) specified in comments(00710)
General habitat association specified in comments(00270)
Human association: residential lawn/ornamental trees/shrubs
Leaf litter/ground debris specified in comments(00460)
Other niche requirements specified in comments(99999)
Soil type: gravel soil
Soil type: loamy soil
Soil type: sandy soil

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
031 Hatchling mortality may be high in Texas *04*
034 Species numbers regulated by availability and productivity of food species in NM *10*
035 Has few predators *06*, parasites include nematodes *12*
099 Mean prefered body temperature 38.5 degrees C. *13*, temperature preference may be higher than for most lizard species *06* in NM study individuals moved an average of 46.8 m / day *10*, in same study individuals remained in vicinity of ant nests less than 15 minutes *10*. Obtain food by visual cues, visually sensitive to movement *12*. In NM species forage in morning begining at approximately 2 hours after sunrise *10*. In NM thermoregulatory basking was greatest in early morning and late afternoon *10*. In NM densites of species were found to be approximately 1.64 individuals / ha. *18*. If alarmed or frightened species squirts or 00zes blood from eye region *06*.
008 In Oklahoma, males travel considerable distances early in the mating season in search of a mate *030*.
022 Females mature by 2nd season in Texas *04*
001 Can occur in some parts of state due to release by pet owners *01*.
007 In Texas mate April - July *04*, mid April - late July *15*, in Kansas mate in spring *16*, in Oklahoma mate soon after they emerge from hibernation in late April/early May *030*. In Texas eggs hatch from mid August - mid September *17*. Egg laying occurs between end of May and late July in Kansas *16*. Eggs laid between late may and end of June in MO *01*.
011 Eggs are buried in hole dug into soil or sand bank. Hole is usually dug at an acute angle *15,16,17*
017 In Texas incubation period 65-66 days *17*. 40 days, depends on weather and nest location *15*. In Kansas 1-2 months *06*
028 In NM had home ranges up to 1.08 ha. *18*
030 Lay eggs at night *14*. Hibernate from October or November - March or April *05*. In Kansas, active from April- September *06*. Begin hibernation after first cold fall weather *01*. Emerge from hibernation April or May *01*, in Kansas emerge by May first *16*. Males apparently emerge before females *01,06*.

Life History Information

Territoriality: non-territorial
Home range size specified in comments(028)
Periodicity: active at night
Periodicity specified in comments(030)
Mortality rate specified in comments(031)
Limiting factors specified in comments(034)
Regulatory factors specified in comments(035)
Other life history information specified in comments(099)
Origin in state: native
Origin in state specified in comments(001)
Seasonal distribution in state: all seasons
Foraging strategy: hawking
Foraging sites: ground
Breeding season specified in comments(007)
Mating system specified in comments(008)
Nest/den site: hole in the ground
Nest/den site: dirt bank
Nest/den site specified in comments(011)
Gestation/incubation period specified in comments(017)
Number of broods/litter per year: one
Development of young at birth/hatching: precocial
Parental care of young: no care
Age at sexual maturity specified in comments(022)

Comments about Life History:

Code Comment
031 Hatchling mortality may be high in Texas *04*
034 Species numbers regulated by availability and productivity of food species in NM *10*
035 Has few predators *06*, parasites include nematodes *12*
099 Mean prefered body temperature 38.5 degrees C. *13*, temperature preference may be higher than for most lizard species *06* in NM study individuals moved an average of 46.8 m / day *10*, in same study individuals remained in vicinity of ant nests less than 15 minutes *10*. Obtain food by visual cues, visually sensitive to movement *12*. In NM species forage in morning begining at approximately 2 hours after sunrise *10*. In NM thermoregulatory basking was greatest in early morning and late afternoon *10*. In NM densites of species were found to be approximately 1.64 individuals / ha. *18*. If alarmed or frightened species squirts or 00zes blood from eye region *06*.
008 In Oklahoma, males travel considerable distances early in the mating season in search of a mate *030*.
022 Females mature by 2nd season in Texas *04*
001 Can occur in some parts of state due to release by pet owners *01*.
007 In Texas mate April - July *04*, mid April - late July *15*, in Kansas mate in spring *16*, in Oklahoma mate soon after they emerge from hibernation in late April/early May *030*. In Texas eggs hatch from mid August - mid September *17*. Egg laying occurs between end of May and late July in Kansas *16*. Eggs laid between late may and end of June in MO *01*.
011 Eggs are buried in hole dug into soil or sand bank. Hole is usually dug at an acute angle *15,16,17*
017 In Texas incubation period 65-66 days *17*. 40 days, depends on weather and nest location *15*. In Kansas 1-2 months *06*
028 In NM had home ranges up to 1.08 ha. *18*
030 Lay eggs at night *14*. Hibernate from October or November - March or April *05*. In Kansas, active from April- September *06*. Begin hibernation after first cold fall weather *01*. Emerge from hibernation April or May *01*, in Kansas emerge by May first *16*. Males apparently emerge before females *01,06*.

References for life history: 005 , 001 , 006 , 010 , 012 , 013 , 014 , 015 , 016 , 017 , 004 , 018 , 019 , 030

Management

Beneficial Management Practices:

Grassland - maintain early stage of ecological succession

Beneficial Management References: 003

Adverse Managment Practices:

Agricultural - application of pesticides
Agricultural - application of insecticides
Grassland - application of pesticides
Grassland - application of insecticides

Adverse Management References: 003

Comments on Management:
A TX study recommended maintaining a mosaic of bare ground, woody vegetation and herbaceous vegetation in close proximity *28*. Reasons for decline include insecticides, excessive commercial collection, loss of habitat from urbanization/agriculture, and invasion of red imported fire ant *029*.

References for Management Comments: 028 , 029

References

Reference Code Citation
001 Anderson, P. 1965. The Reptiles Of Missouri. Univ. Missouri Press, Columbia, Mo. 330pp.
002 Unpb Checklist Of Missouri Reptiles. T.R. Johnson. Mo. Dept. Of Conservation. Po Box 180 Jefferson City, Mo. 65102 (573-751-4115).
003 Unpb Johnson, T.R. 1981. Mo. Dept. Of Conservation. Po Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo. 65102 (573-751-4115)
004 Ballinger, R.E. 1974. Reproduction Of The Texas Horned Lizard, Phrynosoma Cornutum. Herpetologica 30(4):321-327
005 Potter, G.E. & H.B. Glass. A Study Of Respiration In Hibernating Horned Lizards, Phrynosoma Cornutum. Copeia 1931:128-131
006 Collins, J.T. 1974. Amphibians And Reptiles In Kansas. Univ. Kansas Mus. Nat. Hist. Publ. Ed. Series No. 1. Lawrence, Ks. 283 Pp.
007 Conant, R. 1975. A Field Guide To Reptiles And Amphibians Of Eastern And Central North America, 2nd Ed. Houghton Mifflin Co. Boston 429pp
008 The Wildlife Code of Missouri. Missouri Department of Conservation, P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, MO 65102. 573-751-4115.
009 Thom, R.H. & J.H. Wilson. 1980 The Natural Divisions Of Missouri. Trans. Mo Acad. Sci. 14:9-24.
010 Whitford, W.G. & M. Bryant. 1979. Behavior Of A Predator And Its Prey: The Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma Cornutum) And Harvester Ants (Pogonomyrmex Spp.). Ecology 60(4):686-694
011 Pianka, E.R. & W.S. Parker. 1975. Ecology Of Horned Lizards: A Review With Special Reference To Phrynosoma Platyrhinos. Copeia 1975 141-162
012 Milne, L.J. & M.J. Milne. 1950. Notes On The Behavior Of Horned Toads. Am. Midl. Nat. 44:720-741.
013 Prieto, A.A.,Jr. & W.G. Whitford. 1971. Physiological Respones To Temperature In The Horned Lizards, Phrynosoma Corutum, And Phrynosoma Douglassii. Copeia 1971:498-504
014 Cahn, A.R. 1926. The Breeding Habits Of The Texas Horned Toad, Phrynosoma Cornutum. Am. Nat. 60:546-551
015 Strecker, J.K., Jr. 1908. Notes On The Breeding Habits Of Phrynosoma Cornutum And Other Texas Lizards. Proc. Bio. Soc. Of Washington 21:165-170
016 Givler, J.P. 1922. Notes Of The Oecology And Life- History Of The Texas Horned Lizard Phrynosoma Cornutum. J. Elisha Mitchell Sci. Soc. 37:130-137.
017 Ramsey, L.W. 1956. Nesting Of Texas Horned Lizards. Herpetologica 12:239-240
018 Worthington, R.D. 1972. Density, Growth Rates And Home Range Sizes Of Phrynosoma Cornutum In Southern Dona Ana County, New Mexico. Herpetol. Rev. 4:128
019 Whitford, W.B. & W.G. Whitford. 1973. Combat In The Horned Lizard Phrynosoma Cornutum. Herpetologica 29(2):191-192
020 Kelly, G. (Ed.) 1986. Animal Habitat Relations Handbook. Mo Dept. Of Conservation & U.S.D.A. Forest Service. Jefferson City, Mo. 293 Pp.
021 Unpb Missouri Department of Conservation Heritage Database. P.O. Box 180, Jefferson City, Mo 65102.
022 Johnson, T.R. 2000. The Amphibians And Reptiles Of Missouri, 2nd. Ed. Missouri Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. 400 Pp.
023 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. List Of Missouri Animal Notice Species, February 2, 1989. U.S. Fws, P.O. Box 1506, Columbia, Mo 65205.
024 Rare And Endangered Species Checklist Of Missouri. 1997. MO Dept. Of Conservation. Natural Heritage Database. 33 Pp.
025 Collins, J.T. (Ed.). 1990. Standard Common And Current Scientific Names For North American Amphibians And Reptiles, 3rd Ed. Soc. For The Study Of Amphibians & Reptiles, Herp. Cir. No. 19. 41 Pp.
026 Daniel, R.E. & B.S. Edmond. 2002. Revised county distribution maps of amphibians and reptiles of Missouri. MO Herp. Assoc. Newsletter 15:16-38.
027 Missouri Natural Heritage Program. 2003. Missouri Species and Communities of Conservation Concern Checklist. Mo Dept. Of Conservation. Jefferson City, Mo. xv + 29 Pp.
028 Burrow, A.L., R.T. Kazmaier, E.C. Hellgren & D.C. Ruthven, Iii. 2001. Microhabitat Selection By Texas Horned Lizards In Southern Texas. J. Wildl. Manage. 65(4):645-652.
029 Crother, B.I. (Ed.). 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding (6th ed.). Society for the study of amphibians and reptiles. Herpetological Circular No. 37.
030 Stark, R.C., S.F. Fox, and D.M. Leslie, Jr. 2005. Male Texas horned lizards increase daily movements and area covered in spring: A mate searching strategy. Journal of Herpetology 39(1): 169-173.