Everything You Need to Know About Bearded Dragon Species
Introduction
If you’re someone who loves reptiles, particularly lizards, then Bearded Dragon (Pogona Vitticeps) is no strange name for you. In recent years, these friendly and docile creatures have become increasingly popular as house pets. Their unique appearance and interactive personalities make them an excellent choice for people of all ages. Bearded dragons are native to Australia and are adapted to the desert environment of the region. There are various bearded dragon species, and each has unique characteristics that make them different from the others. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various bearded dragon species in detail.
1. Pogona Vitticeps
Pogona Vitticeps is the most common and popular bearded dragon species. They have tan or yellow skin with a bumpy texture and make great pets for first-time owners. They are medium-sized lizards and grow up to 24 inches in length. One of the unique features of Pogona Vitticeps is the beard-like flap of skin under their chin. They puff it out when they feel threatened, hence the name bearded dragon.
2. Pogona Henrylawsoni
Pogona Henrylawsoni is another bearded dragon species native to Australia. They are smaller in size than Pogona Vitticeps and are commonly known as Rankin’s dragon. They have a stocky build and grow up to 12 inches in length. Their skin has a smoother texture and a gray or brown color. Rankin’s dragons make excellent pets, especially for those who have limited space in their homes.
3. Pogona Minor Mitchelli
Pogona Minor Mitchelli is a rare bearded dragon species that is slightly larger than Pogona Henrylawsoni, growing up to 14 inches in length. They have a triangular head and a tan, brown, or gray skin color. One of the unique features of this species is rows of spikes that run down their back. They require a bit more specialized care than other species and are not recommended for beginners.
4. Pogona Nullarbor
Pogona Nullarbor is a less-common bearded dragon species native to Australia. They are a medium-sized lizard, growing up to 22 inches in length. They have tan or brown skin with a bumpy texture and gray or white stripes on their sides. They require a different diet than other species and need a more significant amount of space, making them less suitable as pets for beginners.
5. Pogona Barbata
Pogona Barbata, commonly known as Eastern bearded dragon, is a larger species growing up to 30 inches in length. They are native to eastern Australia and are known for their aggressive behavior. They have yellow or brown skin with white stripes on their sides and a dark beard. Their aggressive behavior makes them unsuitable as pets for beginners.
Conclusion
Bearded dragons are fascinating reptiles that make great pets. Each species has unique qualities and characteristics that set them apart from each other. As a beginner, it’s essential to choose a bearded dragon species that fits your lifestyle and abilities. Pogona Vitticeps and Pogona Henrylawsoni are excellent choices for beginners, while Pogona Minor Mitchelli, Pogona Nullarbor, and Pogona Barbata require more specialized care and are not suitable for beginners.