While eatng ants, or any prey item for that matter, you may notice a "burping" reflex that is quite normal. This reflex aids in passing the prey item into the stomach. The horned lizard may get stung by the ants but it is nothing to worry about because the "burping" reflex also clears the stinger from the pallate. HLs have a blood factor that detoxifies the ant venom and turns this venom into complex carbohydrates and water. Pretty good design.

Lester G. Milroy III
Conservation Biologist

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