Short-tailed horned lizard
# Short-tailed horned lizard

The short-tailed horned lizard (Phrynosoma braconnieri) is a species of lizard in the family Phrynosomatidae. The species is endemic to Mexico. It has a very distinct, shortened tail, which is sometimes not apparent.

## Etymology

The specific epithet, braconnieri, is in honor of French naturalist Séraphin Braconnier (1812–1884).

## Description

P. braconnieri has a very short tail relative to its body length, the shortest of the horned lizards, or indeed of any lizard, thus its common name.

## Habitat

P. braconnieri inhabits pine-oak woodland and xeric thorn-scrub. It can also be found in corn fields or other traditional agricultural areas.

## Geographic range

The short-tailed horned lizard is found in the Mexican states of Puebla and Oaxaca. It may also inhabit Veracruz.

## Reproduction

P. braconnieri is viviparous.

