Horned Lizards:
Some species of horned lizards have the unusual ability to squirt blood to a distance of several feet from the eyes, which become swollen with blood when this occurs. A very complicated mechanism for increasing blood pressure in the head, plus a very thin nictitating membrane (third eyelid), make this possible.
Horned lizards are hardy in captivity when properly maintained. The secret is to keep a temperature of 68-70 degrees F. during the day. The cage should be placed where it receives some direct sun¬light.Black ants of many species make excellent food for many small animals, especially horned lizards. Ants are not easily reared in the large quantities required for feeding purposes, but they may be cap¬tured by the half pint at a time. Such a quantity supplies a half-dozen lizards with food for two or three days.
See Also Snakes Lizards:
snakes lizards and lizards belong to the same large order, and though they possess many characteristics in common, each belongs to a dis¬tinct suborder. The fundamental difference lies in the skeleton. snakes lizards are highly specialized animals and beautifully adapted to their habits of living. Zoologists tell us that they once had legs and were lizards.Reptiles, Amphibia and Fishes.—A number of snakes lizards and lizards. Of lizards there are Igua-nidae, Gcckonidae, Scincidae and Zonuridae. Of snakes lizards there are Calamariidae, Calubridae and Crotalidae. Among amphibia are Siredon (sal¬amander) ; one of the Proteidae is peculiar. Abundance of fish is found in the glacial streams and lakes, largely rainbow trout (Salmo irideus) weighing as high as six pounds and fine eat¬ing.
On The Other Hand See Alligator Lizards Tame:
Alligator lizards tame readily and soon cease to bite anyone who handles them gently. It is well to remember to grasp the entire body of the lizard gently when picking it up, and to avoid catching it by the tail. These lizards like to conceal themselves under moss, bits of wood, or in deep grass. These things should be provided for them in their artificial habitat. They are hardy in captivity, do not hibernate as a rule, and so make excellent winter pets for a classroom.In some species the resemblance to an alligator is striking; in others it is slight. All are similar in habits and in their reactions to captivity. When alligator lizards are first captured, some have a tendency to bite; in fact some may be belligerent and put up a good fight. They are quick to bite, often jumping at the finger or hand with the mouth open. If teased, these lizards retain an irritable disposition. Because of this characteristic it is advisable for an adult to handle these ani¬mals for a time before children are permitted to play with them.
