Class: Reptilia

Order: Squamata Sauria

Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps

Range: Eastern half of South Australia, Southeast part of Northern Territories

Habitat: Tropical wooded steppes, dry forest, agricultural areas

Diet: Wild: Insects, fruit, green vegetation Zoo: Crickets, waxmoth larvae, lettuce, apple

Gestation: Incubation: 68 to 96 days

Litter: Clutch: 11 to 25 eggs

Description: Adult head & body length – up to 10 inches, and tail length up to 12”. The body can be gray, brown, rufous or yellow, and can exhibit rhomboidal markings. A pattern of ocelli (eye-like spots) is present on the pale gray belly. There are large, long, pointed scales on the throat and sides of the head. They have the ability to change color. There is a row of spines along each side of the body. These run down to the forelegs and continue as a broad band down to beneath the shoulders. The head is as wide as it is long.Bearded dragons have a strong order of superiority, which is governed by the size of the lizards. This is evident when feeding, or during the breeding season. Males and juveniles are to some extent compatible with one another. As a rule the males establish a hierarchy following each hibernation that is accepted by all until the following season.Females are sexually mature at a head and body length of 5 inches. The alpha male will mate with all females in the group. Shortly before laying eggs, the female refuses all food. They lay two clutches of 11 to 25 eggs starting in October.

Where in the Zoo? I can be found in the Conservation Education Programs at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.