Reptile & Amphibian Forums

hey all, I just got a trio of young DHLs and am still learning about them every day. The one thing I couldnt find out about them is why they wag their tails when they hunt. It is probably just a stupid fact but I would just like to know. thanks

No one is exactly sure of this trait observed in most horned lizards. Many believe it is a nervous act of concentration. Since horned lizards are not real fast, they stalk and wait for the opportune time to pounce on the meal. THey really do not display this at other times to my knowlege so I am thinking this is strictly related to a feeding resonse... I wish we all could read horned lizard so we'd all know. :0) Cheers!!!
-----
Phrynosoma.com

______

signature file edited. [phw 11/14/04]

Hey there,

Lester Milroy was studying this trait in Coastal Horned Lizards,
P. coronatum. He was telling me that tail wagging may be also connected to a sort of "excitement". I know my little male DHL wagged his tail like mad when he was introduced to my female earlier last year. She wagged her tail when he came close to her also. So I suppose this brings about a new question. Do HLs feel emotions like us? I don't know. Maybe Lester can post some of his findings.....I'd be interested to find out.

regards,
-Phil

I've always wondered if it has anything to do with distracting the prey items or possibly other HL's feeding together. It's an interesting characteristic for sure.
-----
www.Phrynosoma.Com

I observed this in CHL's when I was caring for one once. Was very easily handled and enjoyed being petted/scratched behind his head and wagged his tail when doing so. Also did this when he ate. My DHL's only do this when eating = really do not let me get close to them in such a manner without puffing up or running away.

Ours waggs her tail most when we spritz her with water. In fact, she waggs her whole body when she gets a shower.