Are you looking for a new pet reptile, but don’t know which one to choose? One of the most popular options for reptile owners are the Horned Lizard and the Bearded Dragon. Both species have unique characteristics that make them great pets, but you may be wondering which is best for you and your family. In this article, we’ll compare the Horned Lizard and Bearded Dragon to help you decide which one is right for you. We’ll discuss their diet, habitat needs, and other unique features so you can make an informed decision. Let’s get started!
| Horned Lizard | Bearded Dragon | |
|---|---|---|
| Size | Smaller, up to 6 inches | Larger, up to 24 inches |
| Life Span | 5-7 years | 8-10 years |
| Diet | Insects, spiders, and worms | Vegetables, insects, and occasional fruits |
| Climate | Warm and dry | Cooler and more humid |
Chart Comparing: Horned Lizard Vs Bearded Dragon
| Horned Lizard | Bearded Dragon |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Phrynosoma |
| Size | 7-14 cm |
| Color | Varies |
| Diet | Insects and spiders |
| Habitat | Deserts and dry grasslands |
| Lifespan | 5-7 years |
| Behavior | Docile |
| Temperature | 85-95° F |
| Humidity | 30-50% |
| Native Region | North America |
Horned Lizard Vs Bearded Dragon
Horned lizards and bearded dragons are two of the most popular reptilian pets. They both have unique characteristics and can make great family companions. But which one is right for you? Let’s take a look at the differences between the two.
Appearance
Horned lizards are small, spiny reptiles with a triangular head and a wide, flat body. Their most distinguishing feature is the two large horns on the top of their heads. They can grow up to 6 inches in length and have a wide array of color patterns. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are slightly larger, growing up to 18 inches in length. They are long and thin with a triangular head and a colorful patterned body. They also have a prominent beard beneath their chin.
Temperament
Horned lizards are generally shy and will hide when threatened. They are also easily startled and may become aggressive if handled too roughly. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are much more social and can be handled with relative ease. They are also more active than horned lizards and will often explore their environment.
Care Requirements
Horned lizards require a warm and humid environment with temperatures ranging from 75 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need plenty of hiding places and hiding spots. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, require a more arid environment with temperatures ranging from 75 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit. They also need UVB lighting and a variety of basking and hiding spots.
Diet
Horned lizards are primarily insectivores and need a diet that consists of crickets, mealworms, and other insects. They should also be fed a variety of fruits and vegetables for additional nutrients. Bearded dragons are omnivores and need both animal and plant-based foods. Their diet should consist of insects, fruits, and vegetables, as well as other proteins like lean meats.
Enclosure
Horned lizards require a small enclosure with a substrate of sand or gravel. They should also have plenty of hiding spots and climbing branches. Bearded dragons require a larger enclosure with an appropriate substrate like newspaper or paper towels. They should also have plenty of climbing branches, basking spots, and hiding places.
Health
Horned lizards are prone to infections and parasites and should be monitored for any signs of illness. Bearded dragons are also prone to parasites and other illnesses. They should be monitored for any signs of stress or illness and treated promptly.
Cost
Horned lizards are generally less expensive than bearded dragons, but they also require more specialized care. Bearded dragons are more expensive, but they are also easier to care for and can live up to 10 years.
Horned Lizard Vs Bearded Dragon Pros & Cons
Pros of Horned Lizards
- Relatively hardy, living up to eight years in captivity
- Active during the day, making them easy to observe
- Can thrive in a wide range of temperatures
Cons of Horned Lizards
- More difficult to care for than other lizards
- May be aggressive when handled
- Can be expensive to purchase
Pros of Bearded Dragons
- Can live up to 10 years in captivity
- Docile, making them easy to handle
- Adaptable to a wide range of temperatures
Cons of Bearded Dragons
- May require more frequent feedings than other lizards
- Can be prone to respiratory infections
- Can be more expensive than other lizards
Final Decision: Horned Lizard Vs Bearded Dragon
The Horned Lizard and the Bearded Dragon are both popular reptile pets. They both have their own unique set of characteristics that will appeal to different owners. In order to determine which is better, we must compare and contrast their respective attributes.
When it comes to personality, both lizards have very different personalities. The Horned Lizard is known for being very shy and timid, while the Bearded Dragon is known for being more outgoing and playful. This makes the Bearded Dragon the better choice for those who want a more interactive pet.
In terms of care, the Horned Lizard requires more maintenance than the Bearded Dragon. The Horned Lizard needs a more humid environment, which can be difficult for some owners to create. The Bearded Dragon, on the other hand, is easier to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments. This makes the Bearded Dragon the better choice for those who don’t have a lot of time to dedicate to their pet.
Overall, the Bearded Dragon is the better choice for those looking for a pet lizard. Here are three reasons why:
- It has a more outgoing and playful personality.
- It is easier to care for and can thrive in a variety of environments.
- It is more widely available than the Horned Lizard.
Frequently Asked Questions: Horned Lizard Vs Bearded Dragon
Horned lizards and bearded dragons are both popular pet lizards that, while similar in some ways, also have significant differences. Below are some answers to frequently asked questions about the two species.
What Is the Difference between a Horned Lizard and a Bearded Dragon?
The primary difference between a horned lizard and a bearded dragon is in their physical features. Horned lizards have a flat, wide body with one or more rows of spines or horns, while bearded dragons have a long, slender body with scales and spikes. Horned lizards are typically found in the western United States and parts of Mexico, while bearded dragons are found in Australia.
Behaviorally, horned lizards tend to be more solitary and shy than bearded dragons. Bearded dragons are social and interactive, often enjoying the company of their owners. Horned lizards are less likely to be handled and are better suited for observation rather than handling.
What Is the Average Lifespan of a Horned Lizard?
The average lifespan of a horned lizard is between 5 and 10 years. They can live longer in captivity, with proper care and nutrition, but even in captivity, they rarely live beyond 10 years.
The average lifespan of a bearded dragon is between 8 and 12 years. They can live longer in captivity if they are well cared for and handled gently, but they rarely live beyond 12 years.
What Is the Best Way to Care for a Horned Lizard?
The best way to care for a horned lizard is to provide it with a habitat that closely mimics its natural environment. Horned lizards should be kept in a terrarium that is at least twice their length and that can be heated to 80-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The terrarium should also have a dry substrate, such as sand or soil, and should be equipped with some hiding spots and places for the lizard to climb.
The lizard should be fed a diet of crickets, small insects, and other small invertebrates. The diet should also be supplemented with calcium and vitamin D3 supplements.
What Is the Best Way to Care for a Bearded Dragon?
The best way to care for a bearded dragon is to provide it with a habitat that closely mimics its natural environment. Bearded dragons should be kept in a terrarium that is at least twice their length and that can be heated to 75-95 degrees Fahrenheit. The terrarium should also have a dry substrate, such as sand or soil, and should be equipped with some hiding spots and places for the lizard to climb.
The lizard should be fed a diet of crickets, small insects, and other small invertebrates. The diet should also be supplemented with a variety of vegetables and fruits and calcium and vitamin D3 supplements.
What Are the Typical Temperaments of Horned Lizards and Bearded Dragons?
Horned lizards tend to be shy and solitary by nature, and do not usually enjoy being handled. They are best suited for observation, as opposed to handling. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are social and interactive, often enjoying the company of their owners. They can be handled, but should be done so gently and cautiously.
Lizard Fends Off Predators To Protect Her Eggs | Life | BBC Earth
When it comes to Horned Lizards versus Bearded Dragons, there is no clear winner. It all depends on what you are looking for. Horned Lizards are hardy, love to be handled, and require minimal care. On the other hand, Bearded Dragons are more social, require more attention, and need more specialized care. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which pet is right for you. Whichever you choose, you are sure to have a fascinating pet that will bring you years of enjoyment.
