Common name: Bearded Dragon
Scientific name: Pogona vitticeps (Central or Inland Bearded Dragon, most common in the pet trade)
Origin: Central Australia — arid deserts, woodlands, and scrublands
Size:
Adults: 18–24 in (45–61 cm) including tail
Weight: 300–600 g
Lifespan: 8–12 years in captivity (sometimes 15+ with excellent care)
Body: Stout, flattened body with spiny scales and a wide triangular head
“Beard”: Expandable throat pouch with spiny scales that darken (turn black) when stressed, excited, or displaying dominance
Colors: Range from tan, yellow, orange, red, to various morphs selectively bred in captivity (e.g., leatherback, hypo, translucent)
Tail: Roughly half of their total length
Personality: Docile, intelligent, and often interactive — one of the best reptiles for handling
Handling: Generally tolerant; many enjoy basking on their owner’s shoulder or lap
Behavior:
Known for arm-waving (submissive gesture) and head-bobbing (dominance or mating display)
Diurnal (active during the day, sleeps at night)
Likes to climb rocks and logs for basking
Enclosure:
Juveniles: 20–40 gallon tank minimum
Adults: 75–120 gallon enclosure recommended
Substrate: Non-loose (reptile carpet, tile, packed soil/sand-clay mix); avoid loose sand for young dragons
Temperature:
Basking spot: 100–110°F
Warm side: 90–95°F
Cool side: 75–85°F
Night: 65–75°F
Humidity: 30–40% (arid conditions)
Lighting: Full-spectrum UVB required 10–12 hours daily for vitamin D3 synthesis and calcium metabolism
Decor: Branches, rocks, hides, basking platforms, climbing enrichment
Type: Omnivore (insects + plants)
Juveniles: 70–80% protein (insects), 20–30% greens
Adults: 70–80% greens/vegetables, 20–30% protein
Staple insects: Dubia roaches, crickets, black soldier fly larvae
Occasional treats: Hornworms, silkworms, superworms, waxworms (high fat)
Greens/veggies: Collard greens, mustard greens, dandelion greens, squash, bell peppers
Fruits: Limited (berries, mango, apple slices)
Supplements:
Calcium with D3 (every feeding for juveniles; 3–4x/week for adults)
Multivitamins (1x/week)
