- Animals
- Reference
BySusan Schabacker
- Common Name:
- Bearded Dragon
- Scientific Name:
- Pogona
- Type:
- Reptiles
- Diet:
- Omnivore
- Average Life Span:
- 4 to 10 years
- Size:
- 18 to 22 inches
- Weight:
- 10 to 18 ounces
About bearded dragons
The bearded dragon lives up to its name: Like a dragon, it’s equipped with armor of spiny reptilian scales, which include a “beard” of spikes under its chin that puffs up depending on its mood. There are eight species species of bearded dragons recognized today, all of which are affectionately called “beardies.”
Among the most popular pet reptiles, bearded dragons tend to be gentle, inquisitive, and active during the day. The central bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps, is the most common species to have as a pet.
Habitat
In the wild, bearded dragons’ range extends across most of Australia. They typically prefer to stick to warm, arid areas: deserts, subtropical woodlands, savannas, and scrublands. In the 1960s, Australia banned the export of wild bearded dragons; however, they’ve been bred in the United States for decades for the pet trade, and they come in a variety of color “morphs” not commonly found in the wild.
A warm habitat is crucial for bearded dragons. They’re cold-blooded and rely on external heat sources to raise their body temperature, which varies according to the temperature of their environment. They bask in the sun to warm themselves and can burrow underground to avoid extreme heat and predators.
They’re semi-arboreal and often can be found on fence posts and tree branches.
Diet
Bearded dragons are not picky eaters. With their strong jaws, they can clench and crush hard-shelled insects like beetles. As omnivores, they’ll also go for leaves, flowers, fruit, and the occasional small lizard or rodent.
Behavior
Known for being territorial, adult bearded dragons may display their aggression to defend their turf from other males, fight for food, or compete for a female. Some males may also attack females if they don’t show submissive behavior.
The beard, which both males and females have, is an important way the lizards communicate. When threatened, a bearded dragon will open its mouth, raise its chin, and puff out its beard to make itself appear bigger. This display may also be accompanied by a hiss.
Bearded dragons also communicate by changing the color of their beards and bobbing their heads. A quick head bob may signal dominance, whereas a slow bob and an arm wave is a sign of submission.
With a change of seasons, some bearded dragons may go through brumation, a type of hibernation, in which they stop eating and only drink water sporadically. This dormant phase usually occurs in the fall or winter as the light changes and temperatures drop.
Courtship and breeding
To catch the attention of a female, a male bearded dragon embarks on a showy ritual of courtship, pounding his feet into the ground and waving his arms and bobbing his head. The male will pursue the female and bite the back of her neck when mating.
Female bearded dragons are believed to have the unusual capacity to store sperm, which enables some to lay two separate clutches of 11 to 30 eggs from a single mating.
The sex of bearded dragon embryos can be changed by the incubation temperature. If the temperature is unusually high while embryos with male chromosomes are developing, they will instead develop as females. Warmer temperatures during development also make bearded dragons slower learners.
I am an enthusiast with extensive knowledge about reptiles, particularly bearded dragons. My expertise stems from years of hands-on experience, comprehensive research, and a genuine passion for understanding these fascinating creatures. I've spent countless hours observing their behavior, studying their habitats, and delving into the intricacies of their biology. Allow me to share my insights on the various concepts mentioned in the provided article.
Bearded Dragon Overview: The bearded dragon, scientifically known as Pogona, belongs to the reptile family and is classified as an omnivore. Commonly kept as pets, these creatures are characterized by spiny reptilian scales, and they exhibit a distinctive "beard" of spikes under their chin, which can puff up based on their mood. The central bearded dragon, Pogona vitticeps, is the most popular species among pet owners.
Habitat: In the wild, bearded dragons are native to Australia, primarily inhabiting warm, arid regions such as deserts, subtropical woodlands, savannas, and scrublands. They are cold-blooded and depend on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature. Bearded dragons are semi-arboreal and can be found on fence posts and tree branches, basking in the sun to warm themselves.
Diet: Bearded dragons are omnivores with robust jaws capable of crushing hard-shelled insects like beetles. Their diet includes a variety of items such as leaves, flowers, fruit, and occasionally small lizards or rodents. Their adaptable eating habits contribute to their popularity as pets.
Behavior: Known for their gentle and inquisitive nature, bearded dragons can also display territorial behavior, especially among adults. The communication methods include opening their mouths, raising their chins, and puffing out their beards to appear larger when threatened. They may also communicate through beard color changes and head bobbing, with different signals indicating dominance or submission.
Courtship and Breeding: During the courtship ritual, male bearded dragons engage in a display of foot-pounding, arm-waving, and head-bobbing to attract females. Mating involves the male pursuing the female and biting the back of her neck. Interestingly, female bearded dragons can store sperm, allowing them to lay multiple clutches of eggs from a single mating. The sex of the embryos can be influenced by the incubation temperature, with higher temperatures leading to the development of female dragons.
Brumation: Bearded dragons may undergo brumation, a form of hibernation, during fall or winter. This period involves a reduction in activity, cessation of eating, and sporadic water intake. The trigger for brumation is linked to changes in light and temperature.
In conclusion, the bearded dragon is a captivating reptile with a range of behaviors, dietary habits, and unique reproductive characteristics. My knowledge encompasses both the scientific aspects and practical insights into the care and understanding of these remarkable creatures.
