On a walk in the open space around our neighborhood, Kai and I found a horny toad. Unbelievably, these lizards are even more mellow than garter snakes with respect to being held by people -- even five year-old people like Kai. 1/420s, focal length 11mm, f/2.8, ISO 160.
2 comments:
Wow this is an unusual lizard. Wonder what made it get its name?
Hey Graeme! This lizard has its own website, of course (many, actually, but here's one): Horned Lizard Conservation.
From what I've read (just now), the greek name Phrynosomatidae literally means, "toad body". They do have that toad-like feel when you hold them, wide and wobbily rather than the muscular, sinewy feel of an iguana.
Okay, here's something cool which I know I'd heard before but forgot until I re-read it in this little bit of research, these lizards will squirt blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism!
I guess they're not a common UK lizard. :)
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