State symbols represent a state’s identity, reflecting its natural heritage and distinct characteristics. These designations highlight aspects of a region, from its flora and fauna to its historical significance. A state reptile, for instance, embodies the unique wildlife within its borders. These symbols connect residents to their environment and history, fostering appreciation for what makes their state unique.
The Texas State Reptile
The official state reptile of Texas is the Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum). The Texas Legislature formally recognized the species in 1993. Its selection acknowledged its iconic status and cultural significance, being deeply embedded in Texas folklore.
The lizard’s native presence throughout much of Texas also contributed to its choice. Its distinctive appearance and unique behaviors made it a fitting representative for the state.
Unique Characteristics and Habitat
The Texas Horned Lizard has several distinctive physical characteristics. Its body is flattened and broad, measuring 2.5 to 7 inches long, with prominent cranial spines resembling horns. Its coloration varies (tan, grayish-brown, or reddish-brown), allowing it to camouflage with its arid surroundings, blending with bare soil, gravel, and dead leaves.
This reptile exhibits unique behaviors. Its diet consists primarily of harvester ants (about 70%), but it also eats other insects like termites, beetles, and grasshoppers. The lizard often waits along ant trails, capturing prey with its tongue. A defense mechanism involves squirting an aimed stream of blood from its eyes, which can reach up to 5 feet, to deter predators. This blood is thought to be distasteful to some predators, especially canids.
The Texas Horned Lizard’s preferred habitat includes arid and semi-arid regions with open ground, loose or sandy soils, and sparse vegetation. These areas, such as prairies, dunes, and deserts, provide conditions for burrowing and for harvester ant colonies. During the hottest parts of the day, these lizards seek shelter under rocks, in burrows, or beneath vegetation to avoid extreme temperatures.
Conservation Efforts
The Texas Horned Lizard is a threatened species in Texas, a status held since 1977. Its population has declined significantly, disappearing from nearly half its historical range. Factors contributing to this decline include habitat loss and fragmentation from urbanization and agricultural expansion. Converting native grasslands to nonnative varieties also creates impenetrable thickets that hinder the lizard’s movement.
Pesticide use poses a direct threat, harming lizards and decimating harvester ant colonies. Invasive species, particularly red imported fire ants, outcompete native ants and prey on young horned lizards. Other challenges include increased predation by animals like raccoons (often due to human-subsidized food sources) and illegal collection for the pet trade.
Conservation initiatives are underway to protect the Texas Horned Lizard. Zoos and wildlife centers, such as the Fort Worth Zoo and San Antonio Zoo, conduct captive breeding and reintroduction programs, releasing hatchlings into suitable, restored habitats. Habitat restoration projects re-establish native grasses and manage land to support harvester ant populations. Public awareness campaigns and citizen science programs, like the Texas Horned Lizard Watch, encourage Texans to report sightings and support research, contributing to its protection.