Bearded Dragon
Pogona vitticep

Wild bearded dragons typically live 3 to 6 years. In captivity, with proper care, they can live up to 10 to 12 years. They breed readily in captivity. They can breed at around 2 years of age. Females will lay anywhere from 8 to 20 or more eggs in each clutch. She will burry her eggs in a sandy hole and cover them up. Eggs take anywhere from 55 to 85 days to hatch depending on the temperature. When the young hatch they dig out of the nest and venture out on their own.

Despite their fierce name, bearded dragons are omnivores. In the wild they eat a variety of plants as well as insects, rodents, smaller lizards and even snakes. Young dragons eat a higher percentage of meat, while older dragons eat up to 70% plant matter.


 

Named for the ruff of spiked scales under their throats, Bearded dragons are native to the desert and dry scrub land regions of southeastern Australia. They can be found deep in the outback and also coexist with humans in the outskirts of cities. Bearded dragons can reach lengths of up to 22 inches or more. The inland bearded dragon is the most common in the U.S. pet trade. 


These lizards can be quite docile when handled and can make interesting and good natured pets. They are quite intelligent and will often learn to recognize their human companions. There are many different color variations that have been developed through selective breeding, but the wild dragons tend to be shades of gray.