Animal Profiles
Reptiles

Bearded dragon

Pogona

Living

Living individuals or members of this group exist today. This does not mean they are safe from extinction.

Bearded dragons are Australian lizards. This account focuses on the central bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), an omnivore of dry inland habitats.

Pogona vitticeps (bearded dragons genus pogona)

Representative species: Pogona vitticeps.

Photograph: Frank C. Müller , Baden-Baden · CC BY-SA

At a glance

Location
Central bearded dragons inhabit eastern and central Australia, using dry woodland, scrub and desert landscapes. Other Pogona species have different distributions.
Habitat
Desert, Grassland
Diet
Omnivore
Food
Plants and insects form the diet, with small vertebrates occasionally eaten.

Classification

Common name
Bearded dragon
Browse group
Reptiles
Scientific name or taxon
Pogona
Taxon rank
genus
Family
Agamidae
Genus
Pogona
Source classification
Reptilia

Taxonomy checked against GBIF. For breeds and hybrids, this describes the listed parent taxon.

Three things to know

  • Both sexes have an expandable beard.
  • Arm waving can signal submission.
  • It basks on raised perches.

Habitat and range

Central bearded dragons inhabit eastern and central Australia, using dry woodland, scrub and desert landscapes. Other Pogona species have different distributions.

Appearance and adaptations

A broad triangular head and spiny throat pouch give it a distinctive appearance. Body colour often reflects the surrounding soil.

Diet and behaviour

Plants and insects form the diet, with small vertebrates occasionally eaten. It climbs onto branches and other exposed perches to bask. The throat can darken and expand during displays, while arm movements convey social signals.

Sources

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