Bearded dragon
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Suborder: Lacertilia
Family: Agamidae
Genus: Pogona
Species:
Pogona vitticeps
Pogona vitticeps
The bearded dragon is now one of the most popular lizards in the world, thanks to its friendly personality and rather primordial appearance. Hatchlings are widely available, and they can become sufficiently tame to feed readily from the hand. They will grow to about 51cm (22 inches) in length. Their beard of spines under the chin, which form part of an inflatable throat pouch, may look fearsome but, in reality, these projections are soft and harmless.
A number of localized colour variants have been recorded in the wild, and as domestication has taken place breeders have also concentrated on developing these shades. Red and golden strains are probably most widely kept at present. These lizards live well in groups, but, especially with hatchlings, it is important to check that they all have enough to eat, as weaker individuals will have to wait in other to feed.
There are now prepared foods for bearded dragons or, alternatively, they can be fed a wide range of plant matter, including dandelions, nasturtiums, and similar leafy plants. Carrots and even a little fruit can be supplied, augmented with a vitamin and mineral mix. Small invertebrates should also form part of the diet, especially for juveniles, which grow very rapidly. They are likely to be mature by a year old. A hot vivarium, plus full-spectrum lighting are essential for these lizards, which naturally bask for long periods.
A number of localized colour variants have been recorded in the wild, and as domestication has taken place breeders have also concentrated on developing these shades. Red and golden strains are probably most widely kept at present. These lizards live well in groups, but, especially with hatchlings, it is important to check that they all have enough to eat, as weaker individuals will have to wait in other to feed.
There are now prepared foods for bearded dragons or, alternatively, they can be fed a wide range of plant matter, including dandelions, nasturtiums, and similar leafy plants. Carrots and even a little fruit can be supplied, augmented with a vitamin and mineral mix. Small invertebrates should also form part of the diet, especially for juveniles, which grow very rapidly. They are likely to be mature by a year old. A hot vivarium, plus full-spectrum lighting are essential for these lizards, which naturally bask for long periods.
(Work in progress!)
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