The horned lizard has a defense mechanism that allows it to squirt blood from the corner of its eyes. This mechanism, made possible by an ability to increase blood pressure in the head, is used when the lizard is threatened. These are relatively small lizards, obtaining lengths of three to four inches. This is amazing considering that these lizards give birth to live young. They are common in certain areas of the badlands and subsist on a diet of ants, spiders, and sowbugs.
Sagebrush lizards are small, reclusive, and extremely quick.
This may account for the scarcity of sightings in North Dakota. They have been collected in the badlands near Medora and southward. They seem to prefer rocky areas near water and adjacent areas of sandy soil and sagebrush. Sagebrush lizards eat a wide variety of insects. Prairie skinks are also known as black-banded skinks.