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Some
characteristics of Phrynosomatidae: This family only occurs in North and
Central America (Southern Canada to Panama) and encompasses about 125
species in 10 genera. The largest genus, Sceloporus, includes terrestrial,
arboreal, and rock-dwelling species. Phrynosoma, a desert species,
exhibits a unique defensive behavior when encountered by a coyote, dog
or fox: it squirts blood from its eyes.
Literature:
Reeder, T.W. and J.J. Wiens. 1996. Evolution of the lizard family Phrynosomatidae
as inferred from diverse types of data. Herpetological Monographs 10:43-84.
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