Most species of horned lizards breed in the spring. They lay clutches of three to 45 eggs on the desert soil, which remain unattended. Interestingly, the egg shells tend to be a shade of white, are leathery and about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm ) in diameter. The hatchlings are less than 1 inch (2.54 cm ) in length and most immediately bury themselves into the soil upon hatching. Young horned lizards receive no parental care and must immediately begin to hunt in order to survive. The young are often referred to as "cute" and their young skins are relatively smooth. The high-elevation living, greater short-horned lizard, Phrynosoma hernandesi, bears live young as the low mountain temperatures would thwart egg development.
Most species of horned lizards breed in the spring. They lay clutches of three to 45 eggs on the desert soil, which remain unattended. Interestingly, the egg shells tend to be a shade of white, are leathery and about 1/2 inch (1.27 cm ) in diameter. The hatchlings are less than 1 inch (2.54 cm ) in length and most immediately bury themselves into the soil upon hatching. Young horned lizards receive no parental care and must immediately begin to hunt in order to survive. The young are often referred to as "cute" and their young skins are relatively smooth. The high-elevation living, greater short-horned lizard, Phrynosoma hernandesi, bears live young as the low mountain temperatures would thwart egg development.
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