

From the Vault: Blood Squirting From the Lizard’s Eye, Part 2
Aug 16, 2025
Discover the fascinating world of horned lizards and their incredible blood-squirting defense mechanism. Delve into their unique survival strategies, including adaptations for arid habitats and cultural significance among Navajo beliefs. Explore quirky folklore like the tale of Old Rip and learn about environmental challenges these lizards face. The discussion intertwines ecology, humor, and cultural anecdotes, shining a light on the horned lizard's role in both nature and mythology.
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Weaponized Blood As Defense
- Horned lizards eject blood from their eyes as a defense, producing an intense, foul sample to deter predators like dogs.
- Hosts call it the most aggressive and unpleasant free sample in nature.
Backs That Capture Rain
- Some horned lizards harvest rain by angling and cupping their backs to funnel water to their mouths.
- Sherbrooke describes capillary-like channels under scales that route water to the mouth edges.
No Liquid Urine, Solid Waste Instead
- Horned lizards avoid liquid urine by reabsorbing water and voiding uric acid as a white solid attached to feces.
- They also expel excess salts via nasal glands, sometimes sneezing concentrated brine.