Pygmy short-horned lizard

The specific name, douglasii, is in honor of Scottish botanist David Douglas. ==Identification==

The pygmy short-horned lizard is often mistaken for its close relative, the greater short-horned lizard (P. hernandesi), as both species have much of the same physiology, such as a squat body and small, "horn"-like, pointed scales located along the head, back and side body. It has a "snub-nosed" side profile compared to the sleeker snouts of many lizards, and relatively short legs. The trunk is fringed by one row of pointed scales, while the belly scales are smooth. Their colour is greyish-beige, yellowish, or reddish-brown, depending on seasonality and region. Additionally, there are two rows of larger, dark spots on the back. When ready to mate, or threatened or reacting defensively, this species' colours become more intense (commonly known as "fired-up"). ==Behavior==

The diet of P. douglasii varies from region to region, by seasonal availability, and by an individual's age or sex; neonates and hatchlings feed almost exclusively on ants (89% of their diet), while it has been documented that mature lizards consume fewer ants (around 72% or the diet). Yearlings consume the lowest proportion of ants (60%), supplementing their diets with various arachnids, beetles and grubs, isopods, terrestrial mollusks (snails, slugs) They may also browse on plant matter. Overall, throughout their lives, pygmy short-horned lizards always consume ants, though total quantities of a particular prey species will vary seasonally. Predators of P. douglassi include the long-nosed leopard lizard, ==References==