Meet the 5-inch lizard that shoots its predators with blood – up to 5 meters away

In the dry plains and rocky deserts of North America, a small creature hides in plain sight – a lizard that may seem ordinary at first glance, but look too long and you can be hit with a generous syringe of blood right in the face.

Although the largest short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) is able to blend into its surroundings, stands out from other reptiles.

For starters, even though it is a real lizard, it has earned the nickname “horned toad” for its unique toad-like appearance. With the ability to shoot blood, inflate like a balloon and use its horns without missing a beat, this lizard has captured the imagination of those who have crossed its path.

For centuries, the short-horned lizard has inspired myths, superstitions and legends throughout the cultures that share its habitat. The lizard’s unique appearance and powerful arsenal of defense mechanisms have led many to believe it possesses supernatural powers.

In many Native American traditions, the greater short-horned lizard is revered for its strength and healing abilities. Some believe that appealing to the lizard’s powers through song can help heal the sick.

Such has been the fascination with the short-horned lizard that its images have made their way onto petroglyphs and pottery across cultures. Native Mexicans called the lizard “torito de la Virgen,” or little bull of the Virgin after its horns and “sacred” ability to draw blood from its eyes.

An armored lizard that shuffles along the ground

beyond the myths, Phrynosoma hernandesi it is a small but sturdy creature, usually two to five inches in length. The lizard is native to the shortgrass prairies, gravel deserts, and forested highlands of southern Canada, the United States, and northern Mexico.

The greater short-horned lizard has a broad, flat body, perfectly designed to hug the ground as it runs through its native habitats, protected by its rough, mottled skin.

This lizard is also a master of camouflage. Its color can range from gray to reddish brown, with dark spots that mimic the rocky terrain it inhabits, allowing the short-horned lizard to disappear into the landscape when it senses danger.

One of its most striking features is the crown of sharp, spiked scales on its head. The lizard’s short snout and squat frame complete its prehistoric appearance, but despite its diminutive size, this creature is anything but vulnerable.

How blood drainage from the eyes works as a defense mechanism

To protect itself from predators, the short-horned lizard does not rely on speed or agility like many of its reptilian cousins. Instead, it has evolved a series of unique but effective strategies that make it one of nature’s most intriguing survivors.

Perhaps the most prominent—and certainly the most surprising—is the shedding of blood through a practice known as autohemorrhagic. When threatened by a predator, the lizard can shoot a stream of blood from its eyes, reaching distances of up to five feet. About eight species of horned lizards use this defense mechanism to keep themselves alive.

While winged predators are largely unfazed by this sudden influx of fluid, the blood contains toxic chemicals that make it taste bad to canine predators.

The secret behind this mind-blowing invention? The lizard’s diet contains harvester ants, whose venom is not made with the predatory palate in mind. Thus, when a fox or coyote takes a bite during a chase, they are left confused and disgusted, allowing the short-horned lizard to get away.

As impressive as it is, shedding blood on predators is not the first resort for these lizards. Phrynosoma hernandesi there are many other options available before choosing to take the bloody route:

• They blend into the background. The body of the greater short-horned lizard is adorned with all the tools it needs to disappear where it stands. Its pale colors and dark spots make it a virtual reflection of the rugged landscape it calls home, allowing it to escape the attention of unwanted predators.
• They inflate their body. When threatened, the short-horned lizard can inflate its body by filling its lungs with air, making itself appear much larger and more intimidating. Inflation also makes it harder for a predator to swallow, potentially deterring even the most determined hunter.
• Their horns help prevent attacks. Faced with the threat of a predator, the “horned toad” comes alive and lives up to its name. If a predator tries to bite, the lizard lowers its head, inserting its spines into the soft flesh of the predator’s mouth. This sharp resistance can be enough to make even the most determined predator rethink their choice of prey.

In a world where so much is driven by survival, the greater short-horned lizard stands out as a creature whose defense strategies are not only practical, but also particularly creative. The lizard’s ability to navigate life in such an unforgiving landscape has earned it a place in both the natural world and myth.

The greater short-horned lizard may be doing what it needs to do to survive, but not everyone will be unfazed by its actions. How do animals and their behaviors make you feel? Take this quiz to find out: Animal Attitude Scale