Australia’s central bearded dragon has developed a very interesting way of fine tuning its use of solar power.
Reptiles are cold blooded creatures that rely on their environment for warmth. They bask in the sun during the day to help provide them with the energy they need. Like humans, reptiles also get their daily dose of vitamin D from the sun.
The central bearded dragon has a bit of an edge over other reptiles in how it uses the sun. As well as courtship and camouflage; it changes its colour throughout the day to regulate its temperature.
The dragon is a dark brown after sunrise and for much of the morning. This decreases its skin reflectivity; which helps the lizard heat up. During the hottest part of the day a dragon’s skin turns a significantly lighter colour; increasing reflectivity to assist in preventing overheating. It will remain the lighter shade overnight.
A new study has also found this colour change occurs in sync with the dragon’s circadian rhythm – even if kept in complete darkness for 24 hours, the colour change will still occur at specific times of the day.
Bearded Dragon Trivia
There are 8 species of bearded dragon. The smallest is Pogona Microlepidota (Small-scaled bearded dragon) which grows 10 to 15cm. The largest species are Pogona Vitticeps (central or inland bearded dragon) and Pogona Barbata (Eastern bearded dragon); both of which grow to around 60cm long.
A popular reptile pet*, bearded dragons can live to 12 – 14 years in captivity.
Bearded dragons are omnivorous – they eat vertebrates, invertebrates and plant matter. A sticky tongue helps them ‘reel in’ their prey.
While generally a placid creature, they can bite and do produce a mild venom. However, the venom is harmless to humans and just about all animals. It’s assumed it’s a leftover trait from a time when the dragon used venom in hunting.
When threatened, the bearded dragon uses bluff. It will face the threat with its with mouth open wide, hissing and beard puffed out to make it seem larger. The “spikes” on its beard will appear rigid (and sharp); discouraging aggressors. The lizard will often stand its ground which isn’t always such a good thing; particularly if a vehicle is the threat.
* It is illegal in all states to take a wild bearded dragon and keep it as a pet (as is the case with most, if not all, native Australian reptiles). Pet dragons must be purchased from licensed breeders. A permit to keep a dragon may also be required.
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As a seasoned expert in both reptilian biology and solar energy, my extensive knowledge in these fields allows me to delve into the fascinating intricacies of Australia's central bearded dragon and its unique adaptation to harnessing solar power. The information provided in the article aligns seamlessly with my expertise, and I'll now elaborate on the key concepts involved.
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Reptilian Thermoregulation:
- Reptiles, being cold-blooded, rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
- Basking in the sun is a crucial behavior for reptiles, including the central bearded dragon, as it provides the necessary energy and aids in metabolic processes.
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Solar Power Utilization:
- The central bearded dragon optimizes its use of solar power not only for energy but also for thermoregulation.
- The article highlights the dragon's unique ability to change color throughout the day to modulate its temperature effectively.
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Circadian Rhythm and Color Change:
- The color change in the dragon's skin is synchronized with its circadian rhythm, a biological process that follows a roughly 24-hour cycle.
- Even in complete darkness, the color change occurs at specific times of the day, showcasing the dragon's internal biological clock.
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Adaptive Coloration:
- The dragon's dark brown color after sunrise reduces skin reflectivity, aiding in heating up during the morning.
- In the hottest part of the day, the lighter skin color increases reflectivity, helping prevent overheating.
- This adaptive coloration aligns with the dragon's need to regulate its temperature in different environmental conditions.
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Bearded Dragon Trivia:
- The article provides additional interesting facts about bearded dragons, such as the existence of eight species and their varied sizes.
- Bearded dragons, as omnivores, consume a mix of vertebrates, invertebrates, and plant matter, showcasing their adaptability.
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Behavioral Traits:
- The article touches upon the dragon's behaviors, including courtship, camouflage, and defensive strategies such as bluffing when threatened.
- Notably, the mention of bearded dragons standing their ground, even in the face of threats like vehicles, adds an intriguing layer to their behavior.
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Legal Considerations for Keeping Bearded Dragons as Pets:
- The article concludes with important information regarding the legality of keeping bearded dragons as pets, emphasizing the need to purchase them from licensed breeders and obtain necessary permits.
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Solar Panel System Customization:
- The concluding segment introduces a different topic related to solar energy, specifically tailored to the services of solar installers in Melbourne.
- It emphasizes the customization of solar panel systems based on property size and energy requirements.
In conclusion, the article seamlessly weaves together aspects of reptilian biology, specifically the central bearded dragon's unique solar utilization, with additional trivia and practical information about keeping them as pets. The inclusion of solar energy services in Melbourne serves as a relevant transition, showcasing the broader applications of harnessing solar power.
