* Features detailed species accounts; gives information on horned lizard biology, ecology, and evolution; and describes the role of these fascinating reptiles in mythology, culture, and art
* Covers the United States, Mexico, and Canada, and includes all species of horned lizards
Introduction to Horned Lizards of North America
About the Book
Reviews
“Delightful little book.”—K. L. Williams Choice: Current Reviews For Academic Libraries
"An important resource for any desert herpetologist."—Eric W. Stitt Sonoran Herpetologist"Horned 'toads' have long inspired curious humans, from ancient Indian rock artists and the earliest Spanish explorers to modern scientists. These lizards specialize on ants for food, employ distinctive defensive tactics for different enemies, arch their bodies to collect rainwater, and exhibit numerous other adaptations to arid environments. Wade Sherbrooke's wonderful book, packed with facts and personal insights, will give everyone from lay naturalists to seasoned field biologists a new appreciation for these magically bizarre animals."—Harry W. Greene, author of Snakes: The Evolution of Mystery in Nature
"Written in language understandable by anyone, Sherbrooke's newly revised little book on horned lizards is an exceedingly useful reference that covers most of what is known about these interesting and unusual lizards."—Eric R. Pianka, author of The Lizard Man Speaks
"Wade Sherbrooke has provided in this very readable book a concise introduction to the evolution and natural history of the horned lizards, their impact on human art, and their future in an increasingly human-dominated planet. No one has more first-hand knowledge of the life history of horned lizards than Dr. Sherbrooke, so this book represents more than a summary; Sherbrooke provides insight into the life and times of horned lizards as no one else could. Amateur and professional alike will find much to enjoy about this book."—Darrel Frost, American Museum of Natural History
"[This is] the horned lizard bible deluxe."—Coevolution
Table of Contents
Preface
Acknowledgments
INTRODUCTION
Time and a Continent
Origins
Places
Diversity of a Form
Form
Diversity
Identity
Identification Aids
Hypothesized Relationships of Living Species
Flow Diagram for Identification
Photographs to Aid Identification
Map of Distribution
SPECIES ACCOUNTS
Eight Species Found in the United States, Canada, and Mexico
Texas Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)
Coast Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum)
Pygmy Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma douglasii)
Short-horned Lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi)
Flat-tail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma mcallii)
Roundtail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma modestum)
Desert Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos)
Regal Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma solare)
Five Species Found Only in Mexico
Giant Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma asio)
Short-tail Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma braconnieri)
Rock Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma ditmarsi)
Mexican-plateau Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare)
Bull Horned Lizard (Phrynosoma taurus)
Convergence
NATURAL HISTORY
Cycles of Activities
Days and Seasons
Energy and Growth
Enemies and Defense
Lurking Predators
Levels of Defense
Escaping Notice
Defending Oneself
Coming of Generations
Lizard to Lizard
Eggs
Live Births
Of Humans and Lizards
Yesterday
Today
Tomorrow
Selected References
Additional Captions
Index