Suborder Iguania Subfamily Phrynosomatinae Scientific name Phrynosoma coronatum Order Scaled reptiles | Subphylum Vertebrata Family Phrynosomatidae Genus Phrynosoma Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Horned lizard, Reptile, Desert horned lizard, Flat‑tail horned lizard, Texas horned lizard | ||
Coast horned lizard phyrosoma coronatum
The coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum) is a species of phrynosomatid lizard which can be found from Baja California north to California's Sacramento Valley. It is a widely divergent species with over 6 subspecies in their relatively small range. As a defense the lizard can shoot high pressure streams of blood out of its eyes if threatened.
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Description
The coast horned lizard appears rough and spiky but is actually smooth-skinned, although it has sharp spikes along its sides, back and head. It is a large species, and can reach 10 cm (4 inches) excluding the tail. It is less rounded than other horned lizards. It has two large dark blotches behind its head, followed by three broad bands on its body, with several smaller bands along the tail. Its colour can be various shades of brown, with cream 'accents' around the blotches and the outer fringe of its scales.
