Liberty Science Center

 

Bearded Dragon

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Common Name: Inland Bearded Dragon

Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps

Range: Australia

Habitat: Large range, from the desert to dry forests and scrublands.

Size: 17 to 24 inches.

Diet: Plants, insects, and occasionally small rodents or lizards.

Interesting Facts:

Bearded Dragons have a very complicated system of aggressive and submissive signals. They derive their name from their "beards," an expandable throat pouch with spiky scales, which is used for both mating and displays of aggression. The beard turns dark -- sometimes jet black -- and inflates when being displayed.

Both sexes have a beard, but males will show theirs off more frequently, especially during courtship rituals. Females will also display beards as a sign of aggression. Dragons may also open their mouths and gape to appear more intimidating.

They also exhibit a behavior known as "arm waving," in which they stand on three legs and move one forelimb in a slow circular pattern, as if waving hello. This behavior is used for species recognition and to show submission. Small dragons will respond with arm waving when confronted with a larger, more dominant bearded dragon.


Females will also arm wave to avoid aggression from males, especially if a male is head bobbing. When a male quickly bobs its head up and down, often with a darkened beard, it is trying to show dominance to both smaller subordinate males and potential female mates.