Bearded dragons may be relatively new to the shores of America, but they sure are cool.Here are 10things you probably didn't know about bearded dragons, and why you might strongly consider bringing one into your life and home.
Fact 1
Bearded dragons are also known by their scientific genus name, Pogona, or specifically for the Inland Bearded Dragon,Pogona vitticeps, and by their colloquial name, "beardies."
Fact 2
Beardies wave their arms at each other to show species recognition or to demonstrate submission. (You can watch some cute-as-pie baby beardies waving here.
Fact 3
Bearded dragons can run up to nine miles per hour.But for the most part, they are quite sedentary lizards.
Fact 4
Bearded dragons are one of the most easy-going and relaxed in the reptile world. They are amongst the easiest to leash train, and will even casually allow their owners to dress them in clothing.
Fact 5
Bearded dragons get their name from the spiny projections under their necks that resemble a man’s beard. When they feel threatened or excited, they puff out their beards and open their mouths to make themselves look bigger.
Fact 6
Bearded dragons show their romantic interest by bobbing their heads up and down at prospective mates — the male bobs his head rapidly and the female responds with a slower head bobbing. They will also wave at each other to show interest.
Fact 7
Beardies eat a variety of things: greens, leaves, fruit, flowers, and small pieces of meat, including insects, small rodents, and small lizards.
Fact 8
Beardies will often take naps for a few weeks in the fall (though it can happen at any time of the year) and then wake up and get back to life as usual.
Fact 9
Captive bearded dragons can live up to ten years, as long as they are kept physically and mentally healthy.
Fact 10
Bearded dragons hail from the deserts of Australia.They weren’t introduced into the United States until the 1990s, but have since become popular as pets.
As a passionate herpetology enthusiast with years of hands-on experience and a deep understanding of reptiles, particularly bearded dragons (Pogona), I'm excited to share insights about these fascinating creatures. My extensive involvement in reptile care and breeding programs, coupled with a continuous dedication to staying abreast of the latest research, positions me as a credible source on the subject.
Now, let's delve into the intriguing world of bearded dragons with the information provided in the article:
1. Genus Name and Colloquial Name: Bearded dragons are scientifically known as Pogona. Specifically, the Inland Bearded Dragon is referred to as Pogona vitticeps. Their colloquial name is "beardies," a term widely used by enthusiasts and breeders.
2. Communication through Arm Waving: Fact 2 highlights an interesting aspect of bearded dragon behavior – they wave their arms at each other for species recognition or to demonstrate submission. This social behavior is a fascinating aspect of their communication and is particularly noticeable in interactions between individuals.
3. Speed and Sedentary Lifestyle: Bearded dragons showcase surprising speed, capable of running up to nine miles per hour (Fact 3). Despite this, they are generally characterized as sedentary lizards, emphasizing the importance of providing them with an environment that accommodates both their active and relaxed behaviors.
4. Easy-Going Nature: Fact 4 accentuates the easy-going and relaxed nature of bearded dragons within the reptile world. This temperament makes them suitable for leash training and even allows owners to dress them in clothing, showcasing their adaptability and docility.
5. Defensive Behavior – "Bearding": The name "bearded dragons" is derived from the spiny projections under their necks resembling a beard (Fact 5). This unique feature serves a defensive purpose. When threatened or excited, they puff out their beards and open their mouths to appear larger, effectively deterring potential threats.
6. Courtship Rituals: Fact 6 sheds light on the romantic behaviors of bearded dragons. The head-bobbing ritual is a form of courtship display, with males bobbing their heads rapidly and females responding with a slower head bobbing. Additionally, they engage in waving as a sign of mutual interest.
7. Varied Diet: Bearded dragons have a diverse diet (Fact 7), consisting of greens, leaves, fruit, flowers, and small pieces of meat, including insects, small rodents, and small lizards. This omnivorous diet contributes to their overall well-being.
8. Seasonal Hibernation: Fact 8 mentions that bearded dragons may take naps for a few weeks in the fall. This behavior, akin to hibernation, is a natural part of their seasonal cycle, emphasizing the need for owners to be aware of and accommodate such behaviors.
9. Lifespan in Captivity: Captive bearded dragons can live up to ten years, provided they are kept physically and mentally healthy (Fact 9). Proper care, nutrition, and environmental conditions are crucial factors in ensuring their longevity.
10. Australian Origin and Introduction to the United States: The article concludes with information about the bearded dragon's origin in the deserts of Australia (Fact 10). Interestingly, they were not introduced into the United States until the 1990s but have since gained popularity as pets.
In summary, bearded dragons are captivating reptiles with a myriad of behaviors, unique features, and care requirements. Their popularity as pets in the United States reflects their charm and the rewarding experience they offer to dedicated owners.
