Adults are 7.5–11 in (19–28 cm) in total length, and are typically grey in color with black, white, or red-brown blotching down the back.

Typically shy and nervous, when approached they will usually retreat up a tree or flee noisily through leaf litter on the ground.

Predators of the Texas spiny lizard include hawks, snakes, and some mammals, but it uses its camouflaged body to avoid detection.

[2] To establish dominance for territory or females male lizards may perform "push-up" displays when they observe each other, whereby they bob the anterior of their body up and down.

They are hardy, adapt easily to captivity, and readily consume commercially available crickets, though they do require specialized ultraviolet lighting.