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University of California Press

About the Book

* 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

About the Author

Wade C. Sherbrooke is Director, Southwestern Research Station, American Museum of Natural History.

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

Reviews

"An important resource for any desert herpetologist."
Sonoran Herpetologist
“Delightful little book.”
Choice: Current Reviews For Academic Libraries
"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

Praise for the first edition:

"[This is] the horned lizard bible deluxe."—Coevolution