Great Ecology is Attending The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) 45th Annual Meeting!
October 16, 2024
Great Ecology is Attending CalCIMA’s 2024 Education Conference!
October 22, 2024
Great Ecology is Attending The Society of Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry (SETAC) 45th Annual Meeting!
October 16, 2024
Great Ecology is Attending CalCIMA’s 2024 Education Conference!
October 22, 2024

Blog & News


October 21st, 2024

Creature Feature: Blaineville's Horned Lizard

Author: Victoria Apaldetti - Marquez
Blainville’s horned lizard (Phrynosoma blainvillii) has an eye-opening defense tactic: it can literally shoot blood from its eyes! When threatened, these spiky little reptiles can rupture blood vessels located behind their eyes, squirting blood to deter predators. But there’s more to these quirky critters than just their unique superpower. Found only within a limited range of California and northern Baja California, Mexico, these lizards are adapted to habitats like coastal sage scrub, chaparral, oak woodland, riparian woodland, and sandy dunes, from sea level up to 2,248 meters—however, with a love for sunbathing in open areas and burrowing into fine, sandy soils, they’re picky about their surroundings.
Blainville’s horned lizard is also a picky eater. As dietary specialists that primarily feed on native harvester ants (ants that predominately forage on seeds), Blainville’s horned lizards are sensitive to habitat perturbations because they depend on a narrower range of food resources than generalist species. Invasive species like the Argentine ant (Linepithema humile) outcompete and displace native ants, thus reducing the availability of Blainville’s horned lizard’s primary prey. Although Blainville’s horned lizards are myrmecophagic (ant and termite eating specialists), they won’t touch Argentine ants.
Urban developments, agriculture, nonnative annual grasslands, and other forms of habitat alteration and destruction are putting the squeeze on Blainville’s horned lizard too. As their natural habitats are destroyed or become degraded, the places they need to hunt, hide, and hang out are disappearing. Conserving their natural habitat and implementing restoration projects that plant native vegetation, manage soil conditions, and fight back against invasive species can create lizard-friendly spaces that help them thrive.
Given all these challenges, it’s no wonder Blainville’s horned lizard has earned a spot as one of California Department of Fish and Wildlife’s Species of Special Concern. It’s a call to action to protect this unique creature and the habitats it calls home. By protecting or restoring their environment and supporting their dietary needs, we’re not just saving a species — we’re ensuring that the wild, weird wonders of California endure for generations to come!