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Monday, July 14, 2008

Horned Lizard or "Horny Toad"?


This morning's research on the west flank of Tortugas Mountain resulted in some interesting, previously unknown information. Research Associate Becca and I came upon this Horned Lizard just off the trail. Fortunately, Becca didn't see the lizard or I would have had to physically drag her away from the specimen. Here's what I learned: lizard's molt. As you can see in this photo, this particular lizard is in full molt, shedding the skin that doesn't grow with the body to reveal new skin beneath.


I can't help including a few extra photos of late-blooming strawberry cactus flowers.


1 comment:

Unknown said...

Wow--I've never seen a lizard molt before!!

Gary Larson Day

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