Usually they search for prey in open areas, quietly waiting for an unsuspecting ant or other food item to come into view. When a prey animal passes by, the lizard quickly snaps it up with a flick of its tongue and swallows it whole. Horned lizards? foraging behavior puts them in danger of being eaten themselves. Hawks, roadrunners, snakes, lizards, coyotes, ground squirrels, mice, cats, and dogs are their natural predators. Horned lizards attempt to avoid predators by using various tactics, some which are quite unique. Their most unusual tactic is the ability to squirt a stream of blood from the corner of their eyes. This stream may be directed with limited accuracy at the predator?s eyes and mouth. Another behavior horned lizards exhibit is the ability to inflate their bodies until they look like spiny balloons. However they most effectively avoid predators by simply holding still. Horned lizards? color patterns closely match the soil and vegetation on which they live and they can eliminate their shadows by flattening against the ground. If forces to move, a horned lizard runs only a short distance, stopping unexpectedly. The horned lizard lies flat, blending into its surroundings, and leaving the predator to chase
Usually they search for prey in open areas, quietly waiting for an unsuspecting ant or other food item to come into view. When a prey animal passes by, the lizard quickly snaps it up with a flick of its tongue and swallows it whole. Horned lizards? foraging behavior puts them in danger of being eaten themselves. Hawks, roadrunners, snakes, lizards, coyotes, ground squirrels, mice, cats, and dogs are their natural predators. Horned lizards attempt to avoid predators by using various tactics, some which are quite unique. Their most unusual tactic is the ability to squirt a stream of blood from the corner of their eyes. This stream may be directed with limited accuracy at the predator?s eyes and mouth. Another behavior horned lizards exhibit is the ability to inflate their bodies until they look like spiny balloons. However they most effectively avoid predators by simply holding still. Horned lizards? color patterns closely match the soil and vegetation on which they live and they can eliminate their shadows by flattening against the ground. If forces to move, a horned lizard runs only a short distance, stopping unexpectedly. The horned lizard lies flat, blending into its surroundings, and leaving the predator to chase