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| Bearded Dragon | |
|---|---|
 Pogona vitticeps, the species most common in the pet trade | |
| Physical description | |
| Habitat | Arid, rocky, semi-desert |
| Lifespan | 10 - 20 years |
| Average Size | 13 - 24 inches |
| Diet | Omnivorous |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom | Animalia |
| Phylum | Chordata |
| Class | Reptilia |
| Order | Squamata |
| Suborder | Lacertilia |
| Family | Agamidae |
| Genus | Pogona |
| Ahl, 1926 | |
| Distribution | |
| Distribution of species | Australia |
The bearded dragon (Pogona sp.) is a genus of desert-dwelling, agamid lizard native to Australia. They are one of the most popular lizards in captivity and are widely bred.
Description
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Depending on the species or captive-bred morph, bearded dragons can grow anywhere from 13 to 24 inches long.[1]Their most distinguishing feature is the spiny scales found on the throat which can be expanded when threatened, giving the genus its common name. These scales can turn black during displays of courtship or dominance.
TaxonomyEdit
Bearded dragons were orignially classified under the genus Amphibolorus before being reclassified into Pogona. The current genus contains seven species, all of which are found in Australia.
- Eastern Bearded Dragon, Pogona barbata (Cuvier, 1829)
- Lawson's Bearded Dragon, Pogona henrylawsoni (Wells & Wellington, 1985)
- Pogona microlepidota (Glauert, 1952)
- Pogona minima (Loveridge, 1933)
- Pogona minor (Sternfeld, 1919)
- Pogona nullarbor (Badham, 1976)
- Inland Bearded Dragon, Pogona vitticeps (Ahl,) 1926
HabitatEdit
Bearded Dragons live in arid, rocky, semi-desert regions and dry open woodlands. They are adept climbers, spending time on branches and in bushes. Bearded Dragons also bask on rocks and exposed branches in the mornings and afternoons. The species are found throughout Australia.
In CaptivityEdit
Beaded Dragons are often kept as pets. See Bearded Dragon (Care)
ReferencesEdit
- ↑ Browne-Cooper, Robert; Brian Bush, Brad Maryan, David Robinson (2007). Reptiles and Frogs in the Bush: Southwestern Australia. University of Western Australia Press. p. 160. ISBN 97781920694746. "Pogona minor minor, Abrolhos Bearded Dragon"
