Short-horned Lizard {Phrynosoma donglasi) 



Description: The Short-homed lizard has a broad, somewhat flattened body and relatively short 

 limbs and tail. It is generally tan to gray with dark and light spots and blotches; the belly is 

 white. There is a distinctive line of pointed scales along each side, and the head has short, 

 blunt "horns" pointing backward. Adult lizards range from 1.7 - 5.5" in length. 

 Young: Young are live-bom and resemble small adults. 



Similar species: None. 



Habitat and Habits: The Short-homed lizard is found in a variety of habitats, including dry open 

 forests, grasslands, and sagebmsh; the soil is usually loose or sandy. In fimier soil situations, 

 it may use the burrows of other animals. It is active during the day, typically with the peak of 

 activity in mid-late moming. A Short-homed Lizard may squirt blood from its eyes when 

 disturbed. Little is known about reproduction in this part of the range; young are bom in late 

 summer. Ants are the primary food of the species. 



Surveying: They may be surveyed for by slowly walking tlirough appropriate habitat and 



watching carefijlly for them; look carefully near ant mounds; this teclinique has low success 

 with Short-homed Lizards however. As with many lizards and snakes, they are easily 

 missed. Carefully documented incidental observations may provide the best clues to their 

 distribution. They may be also taken in pitfall or funnel traps in combination with drift 

 fences. 



Status: The Short-homed Lizard subspecies found in Montana {P. d. brevirostra) is currently a 

 U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Category 2 Candidate species (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service 

 1994). It is widely distributed (but apparently localized) in eastem Montana. There are no 

 records from the Helena National Forest, but there are records from the Three Forks area to 

 the south (Reichel and Flath 1995). The most likely places to find this species would be in 

 near the south ends of the Big Belt and Elkhom Mountains at low elevations. This species 

 may be vulnerable to collecting for the pet trade and agricultural conversion of native 

 habitats. It should be watched for in open pine, prairie, or shrub-steppe habitat with loose or 

 sandy soils; all sightings should be documented. 



Montana Natural Heritage Program Rank: G5 S4. A Species of Special Concem. 



