Horned lizard Horned lizard Horned lizards (Phrynosoma), also known as horny toads or horntoads, are a genus of North American lizards and the type genus of the family Phrynosomatidae. The common names refer directly to their flattened, rounded body and blunt snout. The genus name "Phrynosoma" means "toad-bodied". In common with large true frogs and toads, horned lizards tend to move sluggishly, making them easy to catch; this may also avoid triggering attacks by predators. They are adapted to arid or semi-arid areas. The spines on the lizard's back and sides are made from modified reptile scales which prevent the water loss
California toad California toad The California toad ("Anaxyrus boreas halophilus") is a subspecies of the western toad, along with the boreal toad. The California toad lives throughout the State of California, with the exception of south-eastern desert regions. Like the boreal toad, it feeds on a wide variety of insects and invertebrates. Its diet includes grasshoppers, beetles, flies, and mosquitos. The scientific name is "Anaxyrus boreas halophilus". Boreas is from the Greek word "boreas" which means “north wind” or “northern”, "halophilus" from the Greek "halos" meaning “sea” or “salt”, and "philos" meaning “having affinity for”. The California toad is less blotched (reduced