Phrynosomatidae

Phrynosomatidae is a diverse family of iguanian lizards native to North and Central America, with a few species extending into northern South America and the Caribbean. Members inhabit a wide range of environments, from arid deserts and scrublands to rocky outcrops, pine-oak forests, and coastal dunes. They are generally small to medium-sized lizards, often with keeled or spiny scales and robust bodies. Several lineages show distinctive adaptations, such as the fringe-like toe plates of Uma (fringe-toed lizards) and the horns of Phrynosoma (horned lizards).

The family comprises numerous genera, including Phrynosoma, Sceloporus, Uta, Urosaurus, Holbrookia, Dipsosaurus, Petrosaurus, Uma, Cophosaurus, and others, totaling many species. In older classifications Phrynosomatidae was treated as a subfamily (Phrynosomatinae) within Iguanidae; modern schemes typically recognize it as a separate family within Iguania.

Ecology and behavior: Most species are diurnal and primarily insectivorous or omnivorous, with some specializing on ants or other prey. They display diverse reproductive modes but reproduction is generally sexual; most species lay eggs. Dewlaps and push-ups are common courtship and territorial displays in many Sceloporus and Uta species. Many species are adaptable to disturbed habitats but require suitable microhabitats to thermoregulate.

Conservation: Several species are threatened by habitat loss, invasive species, and climate change. Because of their roles as insect predators, they are sometimes used as indicators of ecosystem health. Taxonomic revisions and molecular studies continue to refine the boundaries of genera and species within the group, reflecting its high diversity and evolutionary complexity.