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. Its mating season begins in the early fall, with their children being born in the following, early spring.