THE HORNED AND OTHER LIZARDS OF MESA VERDE.
by
Lewis T. Barry.

In the two previous issues of Mesa Verde Notes (Volume III, Nos. 1 and 2) five species of lizards were discussed, namely the Rock Swift, Sage-Brush Swift, Collared Lizard, Stansbury's Uta, and Uta Levis. There are three other species of lizards to be found in Mesa Verde which are described in this article.

THE HORNED LIZARD
(Phrynosoma douglasii hernandesi)

The Hernandez Horned Lizard—Phrynosoma douglasii hernandesi—is found commonly in all parts of Colorado and is one of the most interesting of reptiles. He is usually called Horned Toad, but this is a mistake in nomenclature as a toad is an amphibian. There is in South America a toad which possesses horns and is correctly called Horned Toad.

One interesting trait of this lizard which has probably been noted by all who have come in contact with him is his ability to increase his size by puffing himself up with air. Another peculiarity is the emitting of blood from the eyes. This fact is often classed with many yarns about reptiles, totally lacking in truth, and spoken of as "Snake Stories." The fact remains however that the Horned Lizard is able to squirt several drops of blood from its eyes. An account of this may be read in Ditmar's, "The Reptile Book."

The fact that this lizard is the only one found in Mesa Verde with horns on its head makes identification simple. The Horned Lizard is decidedly beneficial as his diet consists of small flies, plant lice, small grasshoppers etcetera. It is nearly impossible for the amateur to keep one of these lizards alive in captivity and the practice of "let's take him home for a pet" should be discouraged as death for the Horned Lizard is most certain to be the result.

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THE WESTERN SPOTTED OR HORNED LIZARD.
(Holbrookia maculata approximans)

The Western Spotted or Earless Lizard, Holbrookia maculata approximans, is found in Colorado in those counties lying near the southern border west of the range. This lizard is small, seldom over five inches in length, and is a prairie form seldom if ever found among rocks.

The name Earless Lizard applies to the fact that the ear opening is covered with a layer of skin. As this is the only lizard in Colorado whose ears are so covered this may be used as a means of identification. In color the Earless Lizard tends to resemble the ground on which he is found; usually a dull brown with a darker marking across the dorsal region. On each side of the abdomen there are to be found two black spots which show up very plainly against the white or pale gray belly color.

This species of lizard has for a dangerous enemy, the Collared Lizard which was discussed in the last issue. The Collared Lizard likes nothing better than to run across an Earless Lizard and make a meal out of him.

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THE STRIPED RACE-RUNNER
(Chemidophorus sexlineatus perplexus)

The Striped Race-Runner—Chemidophorus sexlineatus perplexus. This very beautiful lizard is found in Colorado only in the Southwestern section. In Mesa Verde he may be seen either on the rocky sides of the canyons or on the canyon floors. A number of specimens were observed this summer on the trail to Spruce Tree House Ruin just below the park museum.

The Striped Race-Runner, as found in Mesa Verde, is usually black with six yellow stripes running from head to tail. This lizard is very slender, has a pointed head and a very long tail. In common with the Swifts this lizard belongs to the group of brittle-tailed lizards, losing a part of its tail if there is any pull upon it.

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