About Bearded Dragons
AppearanceBearded dragons are usually a light brown/tan color, but are darker when they are little, with much more prominent markings when they are smaller. They also have "tear stain" markings, much like a cheetah, except these sweep back to the back of their head. Their tails are about half their length and are ringed. They also have a "beard" that is the reason for their name, which grows dark if they are the dominant dragon in the group and is puffed out when they are angry or scared. They have spikes along their sides and bumpy-ish skin. Two rows of circular/ovular shapes run on either side of their spine and are a lighter color, standing out more when they darken due to stress. They also have sharp claws and flexible hands/feet.
Diet"Beardies" are omnivores, eating more insects and the like when younger, but they also need veggies too to get the most out of it. This is reversed when they reach adulthood, eating more greens then insects. In captivity, they love to gorge on crickets and lettuce.
BehaviorWhen babies, these reptiles are very skittish, but are easy to tame, making them great pets. Central bearded dragons are the most common, being the easiest to both care for and to tame. They are extremely curious creatures, though are also cautious when little. As mentioned before, they will turn much darker, almost black, when they get scared or are stressed out. When the dark colors fail to scare off a predator, their beards will be puffed out as a show of ferocity, and if nothing else, they will run, a first resort for babies. Once tame, they will easily sit on one's shoulder without much fuss, and love to be held once used to it. Their tails are usually held high when they are alert and hunting (this applies more to the babies then adults), and when overheated, will open their mouths a bit to "gape", or to let off excess heat. To show submission to other dragons, they will lift their arm and "wave", whereas to show dominance, they will nod their heads. Some are even known to enjoy "showers" from their owners, meaning they like being sprayed with a spray bottle on occasion.
Location/HabitatThey prefer hot and arid conditions, given they originate from Australia, but they can tolerate temperatures less then 80-85 degrees with no more then darkened skin.
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