Bearded Dragon Lizard
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BEARDED DRAGON: Pogona vitticeps
Order: Sauria Family: Agamidae (Approximately 25 Pogona species)
Description:
Wide head covered with small, irregular scales. Strong transverse gular fold. Distinct tympanum, broad, fleshy tongue.
Scales on the posterior throat skin and skin along the sides of the head have spiny extensions. Can be spread in a threat display. Dorso-ventrally flattened, robust body. Orderly row of spiny scales along lateral edges of body, which continue over the forearms. Well-developed 5-toed limbs.
Pale gray to brown, reddish-brown, or almost black with pale oblong blotches. Usually a dark post-ocular stripe. Greenish-yellow mouth lining. Whitish below; throat sometimes brown or black. Tail often banded. Moderate color-changing ability; can go from light to dark. Can run on hind legs for short distances. Males have femoral and preanal pores.
Distribution:
Australia, Tasmania. In rocky deserts to coastal forests. Diurnal ground-dwellers or semi-arboreal. Remain in deep burrows during the heat of the day.
Breeding: Details unknown. Nesting: Lays clutches of up to 30 eggs. Diet: Insects, fruit, flowers |
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