Bearded Dragon

Not endangered in the wild. The Inland bearded dragon has also become one of
the most widely kept lizards in captivity. Many bearded dragons are bred in
captivity. Lives in scrub areas and dry coastal forests of Austrailia An
omnivorous lizard that eats grass, fruit, flowers, other lizards, insects and mice.
About16-24 inches in length; the tail comprises about half the length of the
animal. The bearded dragon is named for the "beard" of pointy spines that cover
the area of the throat and ear openings.During mating or territorial displays,
males may inflate and darken the skin in the throat area. The "beard" of spines
helps to enhance their "menacing" appearance to predators or rivals. Bearded
dragons have an unusual "arm waving" behavior. A lizard will stand on three legs
while waving its arm in a circular motion. This behavior is used in acknowledging
other individuals that are at a distance. It is also employed by females during
mating season as a display of submission. Both wild and captive bearded
dragons enjoy basking in the sun. Pogona vitticeps is another commonly used
scientific name for the Inland bearded dragon Bearded Dragons come into
sexual maturity during their second year and remain prolific through their fifth or
sixth year. A female may lay as many as 10-25 eggs in a nest. The eggs typically
hatch in 8-11 weeks.