Inland Bearded Dragon

Genus

Pogona

(Greek pogon: beard)

Species

Vitticeps

(Latin vitta: ribbon)

Range

Wide range through inland and eastern Australia

Habitat

Woodlands, scrublands, savannas, interior deserts

Status

Common/least concern

Size/ weight

13-24 inches

10-18 oz

Lifespan in the wild

3-5 years

Lifespan in human care

7-10 years

Activity period

Diurnal (daytime)

Diet in wild

Leaves, flowers, fruit, insects, spiders, small mammals

diet in zoos

Mixed greens, veggies, fruit, crickets and mealworms

Reproductive

Oviparus

Breeding season

Warm season breakers

(September to March)

Gestation and incubation period

50-70 days

Number of young

Up to 24 eggs/clutch

One mating can result in several clutches

Age of maturity

1-2 yrs

They are semi-_______

Semi arboreal

What is different about their tails compared to other lizards?

They cannot regrow their tails if they are lost to predators

Where do most bearded dragons in the US descend from?

Animals smuggled into the country in the 80s under the radar of Australia’s strict prohibitions of the export of native wildlife.

What is special about beardies stomachs? How does it help them?

Large stomachs

Can consume a lot of food in times of surplus

Why are they able to survive long periods with little food?

They metabolize stored fat well

What does it do when it feels threatened?

Expandable dewlap covered in spiky scales extends and darkens in color (nearly black)

Open mouth and hiss to intimidate predators

T/F: Beardies are considered to be the least social reptile.

False: most social

How do that communicate?

Various postures and gestures

How do males establish/acknowledge dominance

The smaller communicates subordinance by waving its hand in a small circle.

How to two males of the same size decide dominance?

-turn sideways, expand ribs and tip bodies at an angle to show off their size

-expand and darken the beard while bobbing the head

-if neither backs down they will fight by trying to bite each others tail