For this episode, Nature Notes is teaming up with “West Texas Wonders” – a new reporting series where listeners ask questions and Marfa Public Radio finds answers.

JD DiFabbio of Marfa asks, “What's the current population of horny toads in Marfa?” Another listener asks if horny toads are endangered, and another if horny toads depend on ants for their diet.

It's no surprise they're the subject listeners ask about most. Short in stature, horny toads are long in charisma. They're the Texas state reptile.

But what do we know about this Texas icon?

Plump, armored, they've inspired multiple names. “Horny toad.” “Horned frog.” “Horned lizard” is the official common...