Bearded Dragon

by Patricia Januszkiewicz

Title

Bearded Dragon

Artist

Patricia Januszkiewicz

Medium

Photograph

Description

Pogona is a genus of reptiles containing seven species, which are often known by the common name bearded dragons. The term "bearded dragon" is most commonly used to describe the central bearded dragon. Members of this genus live in the arid, rocky, semidesert regions and dry open woodlands of Australia. They are adept climbers, spending time on branches and in bushes and near human habitation. Pogona species bask on rocks and exposed branches in the mornings and afternoons. The species are found throughout Australia.

Several species of this genus, especially Pogona vitticeps, are often kept as pets or exhibited in zoos.

The genus is in the subfamily Agaminae of the family Agamidae. Their characteristics include spiny scales arranged in rows and clusters. These are found on the throat, which can be expanded when threatened, and at the back of the head. These spiny scales are used to scare off predators, yet they are not very sharp. The species also displays a hand-waving gesture; this is to show submission between dragons. They also have a head-bobbing act to show dominance. They have the ability to change colour during rivalry challenges between males, and in response to temperature changes and other stimuli, such as turning black to absorb heat. They can grow to the size of about 12 to 18 in (300 to 460 mm).

Bearded dragons, agamid lizards of the genus Pogona, are often kept as pets, most commonly Pogona vitticeps, the inland or central bearded dragon. Pogona describes seven species naturally found in arid or semiarid woodlands and rocky deserts in central Australia.

They are a popular species among children, because of their friendly and calm nature, along with the relative ease of caring for them. Bearded dragons have broad, triangular heads and flattened bodies, with adults reaching about 16 to 24 in (410 to 610 mm) from head to tail and weighing 350 to 600 g (10 to 20 oz).

Uploaded

March 3rd, 2013

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