Eastern bearded dragon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Eastern bearded dragon |
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| The eastern bearded dragon, Pogona barbata | |
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Pogona
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| Species: |
barbata
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The eastern bearded dragon (Pogona barbata) is a fascinating lizard that lives in the wooded parts of Australia. It's also known as the common bearded dragon or simply bearded lizard. These lizards are part of a group called bearded dragons. Sometimes, people mistakenly call them "frilly lizards," but that's actually a different type of dragon! A scientist named Georges Cuvier first described this species in 1829.
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About the Eastern Bearded Dragon
The eastern bearded dragon is one of eight known types of lizards in the Pogona family. Adult male dragons can grow to be about 60 cm (24 in) long from their snout to the tip of their tail. Females are a bit smaller, reaching about 50 cm (20 in) in total length.
What They Look Like
These dragons have a large, triangle-shaped head. Their throat is covered with spiky, dark grey scales. They can puff these scales out to form an impressive "beard." You'll also see groups of longer, spiky scales behind their head, near their ears, and along the sides of their body. Their body is generally slim and flat.
Their skin color can be grey-black or red. Sometimes, they are reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, or dark brown. Young dragons are usually lighter in color and have patterns that fade as they get older. As they mature, their head might get a light yellow, blue, or green tint. When they are excited or warm, their head, sides, and legs can turn yellowish to orange. The inside of their mouth is usually a bright yellow color.
The eastern bearded dragon looks a lot like its close relative, the central bearded dragon. However, you can tell them apart because the eastern bearded dragon has a less bulky body. It also has a line of spines along the side of its body that continues over its forearm.
Where They Live
Eastern bearded dragons are most common in eastern Australia, south of Cape York Peninsula. However, they have been found all over central Australia and even on the west coast. They prefer wooded areas where they can climb trees.
How They Behave
Eastern bearded dragons are active during the day, which means they are diurnal. They like to climb and sit on high places like tree branches or logs. If it gets too hot, they will move to cooler spots closer to the ground. They tend to be more aggressive than the central bearded dragon.
Male dragons are very protective of their space. They only allow females and younger dragons into their territory. The strongest males are usually the biggest and get to sit on the highest perches. Female dragons dig tunnels in dry ground to lay their eggs.
When an eastern bearded dragon feels threatened, it puffs up its throat and shows off its "beard." If it's still bothered, it will open its mouth wide to show the bright yellow lining inside. The central bearded dragon has a reddish-pink mouth lining. The eastern bearded dragon uses its beard display more often than its cousin.
How Temperature Affects Them
Scientists have observed something interesting about eastern bearded dragons. Very warm temperatures can sometimes cause male lizards to develop as females. These lizards still have the male ZZ chromosomes, but they look and act like females and can even have babies!
What They Eat
The eastern bearded dragon eats a variety of small animals. This includes small mice, other small reptiles, and insects. If they are kept as pets, they also enjoy eating leaf vegetables like clover, small flowers, fruits, and berries.
Gallery
- Eastern bearded dragon
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Eastern bearded dragon. Near Bourke, NSW.
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Eastern bearded dragon showing a threatening defence display
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A young eastern bearded dragon found in a suburban yard in Canberra, Australian Capital Territory
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A close-up view of an Eastern Bearded Dragon's head. Brisbane, Australia
See also
In Spanish: Pogona barbata para niños
