Herps in Society and Culture: The TCU Horned Frog

https://www.partycity.com/ca/tcu-horned-frogs-mascot-table-sign-828046.html
https://www.frogsowar.com/2017/3/12/14902018/how-close-was-tcu-horned-frogs-tcuto-getting-into-the-big-dance-ncaa-tournament

Texas Christian University, more commonly referred to by its acronym, TCU, is an example of Herps in society and culture. TCU is a private, co-ed, Christian college in Fort Worth Texas. Their mascot, the “Horned Frog” was established when their campus moved to WACO in 1895-1910 to accommodate for size. This was also the same time they adopted their football team and their team colors, purple and white. The first thing to point out, is that the “Horned Frog” is not actually a frog at all. It is actually a spiny or horned lizard from the Family Phrynosomatidae. More specifically, it is the Texas horned lizard or Phrynosoma cornutum. TCU are not the only ones that refer to the Texas horned lizard as a “Horned Frog” or “Horned Toad.” The reason they are commonly referred to as such is because of their body shape and blunt heads. In Latin, their genus and species name translate out literally (Phrynosoma “toad-bodied” and cornutum “horned”). In the third picture, you will notice that there is what looks like blood shooting from the eyes of the horned frog. That is not just an intimidation factor, that is the REAL DEAL. In all seriousness, Phrynosoma cornutum is capable of squirting blood out of its eyes and utilizes this ability to defend itself from predators. Hopefully TCU students and faculty have not developed this ability because I don’t find that concept comforting.

All in all, I think it is pretty cool that the “Horned Frog, “Horned Toad,” “Horned Lizard,” Phrynosoma cornutum, whatever you want to refer to it as, is represented as TCU’s mascot. While the name “Horned Frogs” (and all of the other names out there) might lead to a little confusion for those who don’t actually know what the animal really is, I think its neat that Herps are being represented in society. I’ll tell you what, I would be intimidated if a life size Horned Frog was in opposition to me and shot blood out of its eyes.