The Texas Horned Lizard, also known as the horny toad, is a distinctive species native to the southwestern United States, particularly Texas. Recognizable by its flattened body and a crown of horns on its head, this lizard is well-adapted to arid environments, primarily feeding on ants and other small invertebrates. It has developed unique defense mechanisms, including the ability to change color to blend in with its surroundings and, when threatened, can squirt a stream of blood from its eyes to deter predators. Once abundant, its populations have declined due to habitat loss, and it is now considered a species of concern in several areas.
Most mammals, including humans, rely on carbohydrates and fats from their complex diets to fuel physical activity. However, vampire bats exclusively consume blood, which is very low in carbohydrates and fats but high in protein. This raises the question of whether vampire bats instead obtain most of their energy from the protein they consume — similar to bloodsucking insects.
There are three vampire bat species: the common vampire bat (Desmodus rotundus), the hairy-legged vampire bat (Diphylla ecaudata) and the white-winged vampire bat (Diaemus youngi). All are found in warm regions of the Americas, including Mexico, South America and Trinidad, according to the San Diego Zoo. They live in colonies of 20 to 100 individuals and are the only mammals that are obligate blood feeders.
