Reptile & Amphibian Forums

I found it in Sunspot New Mexico while hiking near my house. it gets sort of cold up here so i imagine that this lizard will do ok at room temp. Its no more than 1.5 inches in length.

im wondering about how big this would get and if it only eats ants, and about how many if so. and is it picky on the ant type? like will it eat small ants and big ants or what. i put some small ants in with it but it decided to burrow itself instead of eat them.

thanks!
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It is a Shorthorned LIzard, Phrynosoma hernandezi. Looks to be a yearling female.

Lester G. Milroy III

i guess ill release it back to where i found it then, since it appears to be endangered or something. do u think this is a good idea or should i like bulk it up first

If you have not had it long, it would be best released back at the same spot where the HL was found. It is a place of "familiarity."

Lester G. Milroy III

It may get to a SVL of 3.5 to 4 inches. The ants that it eats should have been identified on site where the HL was found. That is the best way to find out what their primary diet is and should be supplied. Yes, they are somewhat picky.

What is room temperature? You will have to be a little more specific.

If you just dropped ants in the enclosure, without chilling first, it is typical behavior for a HL to "panic" and go for cover. Only a few ants at a time, especially for a hatchling HL. They have no way to defend or protect themselves except to "run for cover."

Lester G. Milroy III