534 



LACERTAE 



of prominent ledges, and are protected by a series of small 

 spines. The ventral scales are keeled. The under parts are 

 yellowish, frequently with a few brown spots. This species, 



FIG. 133. Phrynosoma cornutum (" Horned Toad"). x 1. 



which grows to a length of 5 inches, ranges from Illinois 

 through Kansas and Texas to Northern Mexico. 



Ph. coronatum, an inhabitant of California, has an additional 

 smaller spine between the two large occipitals. The scales of 

 the belly are quite smooth. 



These peculiar-looking and interesting creatures recall some 

 of the extinct Dinosaurs in the curious configuration of their 

 head : small miniatures indeed. In order to be kept in good 

 health, and to be observed properly, they require, above all, 

 warmth, sunshine to bask in, sand to burrow in, and proper food. 

 The latter consists of all kinds of small insects, the necessary 

 variety of which is best procured by making sweepings with a 

 butterfly-net in a meadow. They take green-flies, house-flies, 

 ants, smooth caterpillars, small moths, meal-worms, wood-lice, 

 etc. The food is snapped up very quickly by a flash of the 

 tongue, which can be turned out, almost like that of a frog, but 

 only to the extent of half an inch. Water in the shape of dew, 

 or drops, is absolutely necessary. When in good condition, they 

 defalcate regularly every alternate day. They love to bask in 



