By:  Raymond                                         H.C.R. No. 141
       73R10465 SDU-D
                                 CONCURRENT RESOLUTION
    1-1        WHEREAS, The State of Texas traditionally has recognized
    1-2  certain natural life forms commonly found within the state as
    1-3  tangible representations of both the state's proud spirit and its
    1-4  vast and diverse natural heritage by proclaiming them official
    1-5  state symbols; and
    1-6        WHEREAS, The Texas horned lizard, Phrynosoma cornutum, is
    1-7  well known and much loved by its human neighbors in the hot, arid
    1-8  regions where it makes its home; and
    1-9        WHEREAS, Known variously as a horned toad, horny toad, and
   1-10  horned frog, this fascinating creature nevertheless is a true
   1-11  lizard, a member of the reptile suborder Lacertilia, with a lineage
   1-12  that has been traced back to the days of the dinosaurs; and
   1-13        WHEREAS, The horned lizard possesses numerous attributes that
   1-14  qualify it for designation as an official representative of our
   1-15  state; despite a spiny exterior that presents a forbidding
   1-16  appearance, it is at heart a docile and peaceful creature; and
   1-17        WHEREAS, A skilled hunter, the horned lizard helps to
   1-18  diminish the population of a variety of insect pests; although it
   1-19  prefers a diet of ants, it also will eat grasshoppers, crickets,
   1-20  beetles, pill bugs, and spiders; and
   1-21        WHEREAS, Its protective coloration and resourcefulness enable
   1-22  it to escape detection by predators, but when threatened it is able
   1-23  to inflate its body to frighten its adversaries; and
   1-24        WHEREAS, Although these characteristics distinguish the
    2-1  horned lizard as a fitting embodiment of our state and its
    2-2  heritage, it is perhaps most appropriate for designation as an
    2-3  official state symbol because, like many other things truly Texan,
    2-4  it is a threatened species; now, therefore, be it
    2-5        RESOLVED, That the 73rd Legislature of the State of Texas
    2-6  hereby recognize the Texas horned lizard as an appropriate
    2-7  representative of our state; and, be it further
    2-8        RESOLVED, That the Texas horned lizard be officially
    2-9  designated the State Reptile of Texas.