Phrynosoma mcallii (Hallowell, 1852)

Etymology

The flat-tail horned lizard, scientifically named Phrynosoma mcallii (Hallowell, 1852), is named after United States Army Colonel George A. M'Call, who collected the first specimen in California in the 19th century.

Distribution Range

This species has a small native range in the Sonoran Desert, covering southeastern California, southwestern Arizona, and extreme northern Mexico in the states of Baja California and Sonora.

Population Adaptations

Over time, horned lizard populations have adapted to local climate, food sources, and predators, leading to distinct differences between different populations.

Body Size and Shape

Phrynosoma mcallii is a medium-sized, flat-bodied lizard with a wide oval-shaped body.

Dorsal Scales

It has scattered enlarged pointed scales on its upper body and tail. The skin on its back is smooth with small spines.

Head Horns

Eight horns extend from the back of the head; the two central horns are long, slender, and sharp.

Jaw and Body Fringe Scales

It has long and narrow spines on the lower jaw, and two rows of fringe scales along the sides of the body, where the bottom row of scales is smaller than the upper row.

Reproduction

Phrynosoma mcallii is oviparous.