Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum)
Iguanas · Difficulty: Expert
Key facts and care guidance for Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) (origin: The southern USA, northern Mexico). Adult size around 8–13 cm total length. Life expectancy 6–10 years. The values below are carefully researched guidance.
Short answers
Texas horned lizard: How big does the enclosure need to be?
120×60×40 cm.
Texas horned lizard: What temperature does it need?
Daytime 30–38 °C, basking spot 50 °C, at night 16–21 °C.
Texas horned lizard: Does it need UVB lighting?
UVB: Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %).
Texas horned lizard: How long do they live?
Life expectancy: 6–10 years.
Texas horned lizard: Is it suitable for beginners?
No – better suited to experienced keepers (difficulty: Expert).
Climate
- Daytime temperature
- 30–38 °C
- Night temperature
- 16–21 °C
- Basking spot
- 50 °C
- Humidity
- 20–35 %
- UVB
- Essential (UVB 10.0–12 %)
Enclosure
- Minimum size
- 120×60×40 cm
- Substrate
- Fine sand with gravel (10–15 cm), flat stones, a few twigs
Feeding
- Food
- A SPECIALIST: mainly ants; failing that firebrats, small crickets, termites
- Feeding interval
- daily
Key facts
- Adult size
- 8–13 cm total length
- Life expectancy
- 6–10 years
- Origin
- The southern USA, northern Mexico
- Protection status
- Protected in Texas and several other US states – only European captive-bred animals
- Brumation
- A winter rest of 12–16 weeks at 6–12 °C
- Cohabitation
- Keeping them singly is least stressful, since the species is considered extremely site-faithful, calm and not very social. Anyone keeping several should put one male with one or two females, each with its own basking spot.
Notes
An ant specialist – without a permanent supply of ants or a substitute food, keeping it almost always fails. When threatened it can squirt blood from the corners of its eyes. Acquire it only with a food source secured in advance.
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Related species
- Mountain horned lizard (Phrynosoma orbiculare) – Expert
- Regal horned lizard (Phrynosoma solare) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Greater short-horned lizard (Phrynosoma hernandesi) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Coast horned lizard (Phrynosoma coronatum) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Giant horned lizard (Phrynosoma asio) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Round-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma modestum) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos) – Beginner with some knowledge
- Anegada ground iguana (Cyclura pinguis) – Expert
What you need to start
To keep Texas horned lizard (Phrynosoma cornutum) you typically need: a suitable enclosure (120×60×40 cm), substrate (Fine sand with gravel (10–15 cm), flat stones, a few twigs), a heat source with a thermostat, UVB lighting, thermometer and hygrometer, a water dish and hides. You will find equipment in the Reptoria marketplace.
The complete, interactive care database is in the Reptoria app.
Last updated: 9 October 2026 · Editor: Reptoria editorial team · Sources include: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Texas_horned_lizard, https://reptile-database.reptarium.cz/species?genus=Phrynosoma&species=cornutum
All values are non-binding guidance and do not replace expert advice. Research thoroughly from several sources before acquiring and keeping an animal, and observe the applicable law (species and animal protection in particular).