Did you know that bearded dragons have become very popular over the past few years? While reptiles have always had a small core group of devoted fans, they tend to fall far behind Fluffy and Fido in terms of popularity. However, this cute lizard may be changing that. Beardies actually can make great pets! Read on as a local Black Hills, SD vet offers some fun facts about them.

They’re Aussies, Mate!

Let’s start with some basics. The bearded dragon is native to Australia, where they live in hot, arid regions, such as deserts and forests, as well as savannas and brush. They typically grow to be between 18 and 22 inches long.

They Live Longer In Captivity

Wild beardies usually live about four to ten years. That’s actually a pretty good run for a wild lizard; though some of the larger lizards have longer lifespans, many smaller ones only live a few years. Pet beardies do tend to live longer than their wild cousins, though. The average lifespan of a pet beardie is 7 to 15  years.

They’re Super Friendly

It isn’t hard to see why beardies have become so popular: they are super friendly! Unlike most lizards, they are typically very mellow and relaxed. They also tend to get quite attached to their humans, at least for a reptile. Many even like to cuddle!

There Are Several Types

There are actually eight kinds of beardies. The one most usually kept as a pet—which is also the one we are referring to here—is Pogona vitticeps. It’s also called the inland or central bearded dragon.

There Are Also Many Morphs

This is where things may get confusing. In addition to the distinct species, there are also several different mutations, which are often referred to as morphs. The different morphs are still Pogona Vitticeps, but they may sport different colors and patterns. Some may also have different nail colors, spikes, scales, sizes, and even head shapes.

Here are a few of the most common:

• Classic
• Dunner
• Leatherback
• Paradox
• German Giant
• Hypomelanistic
• Silkback
• Wero
• Translucent
• Hypo
• Silverback

Another interesting thing about morphs? Beardies can actually show characteristics of more than one morph. 

They Were Banned

Australia made it illegal to export beardies back in the 60’s. However, breeders have been active in the U.S. for decades, so at this point there isn’t a great need to capture wild ones. This is one good thing about the various morphs: they are not found in the wild. This helps to discourage the capture and trade of wild beardies.

They Are Cold Blooded

This one probably isn’t a surprise. Like other reptiles, beardies are cold-blooded, meaning they regulate their body temperature by moving from warm to cooler areas. They often bask in the sun.

They’re Poisonous (But Not Much)

Bearded dragons do produce venom. However, if this one threw you for a loop, don’t worry. Bearded dragon venom isn’t powerful enough to seriously affect humans. If you happen to get bit by one, you’ll probably just notice some temporary irritation around the bite.

They’ve Broken Records

Speaking of lifespan, one extraordinary beardie defied all expectations. The cute lizard, named Sebastian, lived almost 19 years! Sebastian, a reptilian resident of the UK, made it into the Guinness Book of World Records. 

Their Spikes Get Stiff When They Are Stressed

Usually, beardie spikes are more style than substance. Most of the time, they feel soft and almost rubbery. However, if the animal is under stress, those spikes will harden.

They Can Taste Odors

Like snakes, beardies can collect scent molecules with their tongues. Their brain processes the information as scent, rather than taste. 

They Eat Varied Diets

Bearded dragons eat a combination of insects and produce. The proportions will change over time, though. Ask your Black Hills, SD vet for more information. 

Fireflies Are Poisonous To Them

This is definitely one of the more interesting facts about beardies. Fireflies’ bodies contain a specific steroid,  lucibufagins, which is very poisonous to many reptiles and insects. In fact, eating just half of a firefly can kill an adult beardie. 

Fireflies Aren’t Their Only Kryptonite

Fireflies aren’t the only things that beardies should never eat. Avocado is also toxic to them, though in this case it’s because of a chemical known as persin. Other things that you should never give a beardie include milk, chocolate, onions, chives, mushrooms, garlic, rhubarb, avocados and eggplants. Beardies also do not do well with acidic fruits, such as oranges, tomatoes, lemons, limes and pineapples. Additionally, you would want to avoid giving your beardie any insects that you capture in the wild, as they could be carrying parasites or disease. 

Keep in mind that a beardie’s diet will need to change over time. 

They Have Interesting Reproductive Habits

Males tend to put on a show when attracting a mate. This isn’t unusual in the animal kingdom: many species exhibit this behavior.

What’s a bit less common? Females seem to be able to store sperm, which means they can have more than one clutch from a single mating session.

They Have Large Clutches

Speaking of clutches, beardies have fairly large ones. They can lay up to 30 eggs at once! They will lay even if the eggs haven’t been fertilized.

They’re Fast Runners

Beardies can move pretty quick when they want to. These guys can run up to nine miles an hour! That’s pretty fast. However, they won’t sustain that pace very long. 

They Can Also Run Standing Up

Bearded dragons are not only fast runners, they are also fairly unique ones. They can actually run on their back legs! This helps them stay cool, due to the air flow. They also get a bit more speed that way. You aren’t likely to see your pet doing this, though: it’s mostly something they do when they are frightened and trying to get away from a predator. 

They Can Have Two Heads

Yes, really! While it is rare, there are beardies out there with two heads. The Reptile Zoo in Fountain Valley, CA has one! 

They Are Illegal To Keep In Hawaii

While bearded dragons are legal throughout the continental U.S., it is against the law to keep them in Hawaii. That’s because the climate is hospitable to them … a bit too hospitable, in fact. Escaped pet dragons can reproduce, which could lead populations to decimate local wildlife. 

Beardies Have Unique Body Language

It’s always interesting to learn more about our animal companions, and how they communicate with each other. Beardies have some fascinating nonverbal clues. A threatened beardie may lift its chin, puff out its beard, or open its mouth. They may also sometimes hiss. Head bobs also signal intent or mood. A slow bob may be a sign that a dragon is docile, while a fast one may indicate aggression or dominance. 

They Change The Color Of Their Beards

You may have heard that turkeys change the color of their wattles according to their mood. Beardies do this as well!

We’ve focused on fun facts in this piece, but if you are considering adopting a beardie it’s also important to learn about the not-so-fun facts, such as signs of sickness; common illnesses and diseases; and general do’s and don’ts of caring for a beardie. Remember, we are here to help! Please contact us at your Black Hills, SD animal clinic for more information. 

Make An Appointment At Our Black Hills, SD Pet Clinic

Do you have questions about bearded dragon care? Are you looking for a great vet that handles reptiles? Contact us, your Black Hills, SD pet hospital, anytime!