If you’re a proud owner of a bearded dragon, it’s natural to want to know everything about them, from what they eat to what kind of environment they thrive in. But one question that often comes up is, “What kind of bearded dragon do I have?” With over nine species of bearded dragons, it can be tricky to identify which one you have.
But don’t worry, we’re here to help. In this article, we’ll explore the different species of bearded dragons and their unique characteristics, so you can finally answer the question, “What kind of bearded dragon do I have?” Keep reading to become an expert on the different types of bearded dragons and how to identify them.
What Kind of Bearded Dragon Do I Have?
If you are an owner of a bearded dragon, you might be wondering what type of bearded dragon you have. There are several different types of bearded dragons, and each one has unique characteristics and traits that make them special. In this article, we will explore the different types of bearded dragons and how to identify which one you have.
1. Pogona Vitticeps
The Pogona Vitticeps, also known as the Central Bearded Dragon, is the most common type of bearded dragon. They are native to Australia and are a popular pet due to their friendly nature and easy-to-care-for demeanor. These bearded dragons can grow up to 24 inches in length and have a wide range of colors, including brown, orange, and yellow.
If you have a Pogona Vitticeps, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a beard that can be expanded or retracted. They also have spiky scales on their back and tail, which give them their unique appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for beginners.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Vitticeps:
– Friendly and easy to handle
– Easy to care for
– Wide range of colors and patterns
VS:
– Can be prone to obesity if overfed
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
2. Pogona Minor Mitchell
The Pogona Minor Mitchell, also known as the Western Bearded Dragon, is a smaller species of bearded dragon. They are native to Western Australia and are often found in sandy, rocky areas. These bearded dragons have a unique appearance, with dark stripes on their sides and a yellow or orange coloration on their belly.
If you have a Pogona Minor Mitchell, you will notice that they have a smaller head and a shorter beard than other species of bearded dragons. They also have smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Minor Mitchell:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Easy to care for
– Unique appearance
VS:
– Not as friendly or social as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
3. Pogona Nullarbor
The Pogona Nullarbor, also known as the Nullarbor Bearded Dragon, is a rare species of bearded dragon that is only found in a small area of Western Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a gray or brown coloration and darker stripes on their sides. These bearded dragons are larger than other species, with some growing up to 30 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Nullarbor, you will notice that they have a larger head and a longer beard than other species of bearded dragons. They also have rough scales on their back and tail, which give them a more rugged appearance. These bearded dragons are not as common as other species and can be more difficult to care for.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Nullarbor:
– Unique appearance
– Larger than other species
VS:
– Can be more difficult to care for
– Not as common as other species
4. Pogona Henrylawsoni
The Pogona Henrylawsoni, also known as the Rankin’s Dragon, is a small species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a blue or gray coloration and orange or yellow markings on their back and sides. These bearded dragons are smaller than other species, with some growing up to 12 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Henrylawsoni, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a short beard. They also have smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Henrylawsoni:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Unique appearance
– Easy to care for
VS:
– Not as social or friendly as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
5. Pogona Minor
The Pogona Minor, also known as the Dwarf Bearded Dragon, is a small species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a brown or gray coloration and yellow or orange markings on their back and sides. These bearded dragons are smaller than other species, with some growing up to 10 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Minor, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a short beard. They also have smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Minor:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Unique appearance
– Easy to care for
VS:
– Not as social or friendly as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
6. Pogona Barbata
The Pogona Barbata, also known as the Eastern Bearded Dragon, is a species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a brown or gray coloration and stripes on their sides. These bearded dragons are larger than other species, with some growing up to 24 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Barbata, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a long beard that can be expanded or retracted. They also have spiky scales on their back and tail, which give them their unique appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for beginners.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Barbata:
– Friendly and easy to handle
– Easy to care for
– Unique appearance
VS:
– Can be prone to obesity if overfed
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
7. Pogona Microlepidota
The Pogona Microlepidota, also known as the Small-Scaled Bearded Dragon, is a species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a brown or gray coloration and small scales on their back and tail. These bearded dragons are smaller than other species, with some growing up to 12 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Microlepidota, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a short beard. They also have small, smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Microlepidota:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Unique appearance
– Easy to care for
VS:
– Not as social or friendly as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
8. Pogona Minor Minima
The Pogona Minor Minima, also known as the Western Small-Scaled Bearded Dragon, is a small species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a brown or gray coloration and small scales on their back and tail. These bearded dragons are smaller than other species, with some growing up to 8 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Minor Minima, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a short beard. They also have small, smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Minor Minima:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Unique appearance
– Easy to care for
VS:
– Not as social or friendly as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
9. Pogona Minor Mitchelli
The Pogona Minor Mitchelli, also known as the Northern Bearded Dragon, is a small species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a brown or gray coloration and small scales on their back and tail. These bearded dragons are smaller than other species, with some growing up to 12 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Minor Mitchelli, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a short beard. They also have small, smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Minor Mitchelli:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Unique appearance
– Easy to care for
VS:
– Not as social or friendly as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
10. Pogona Minor Minor
The Pogona Minor Minor, also known as the Central Small-Scaled Bearded Dragon, is a small species of bearded dragon that is native to Australia. They have a unique appearance, with a brown or gray coloration and small scales on their back and tail. These bearded dragons are smaller than other species, with some growing up to 8 inches in length.
If you have a Pogona Minor Minor, you will notice that they have a triangular-shaped head and a short beard. They also have small, smooth scales on their back and tail, which give them a more streamlined appearance. These bearded dragons are easy to care for and make great pets for those who want a smaller, more manageable pet.
Benefits of owning a Pogona Minor Minor:
– Smaller and easier to manage than other species
– Unique appearance
– Easy to care for
VS:
– Not as social or friendly as other species
– Require a specific temperature range in their habitat
In conclusion, identifying your bearded dragon can be a fun and exciting process. By understanding the different types of bearded dragons and their unique characteristics, you can better care for your pet and provide them with a happy and healthy life. Remember to always consult with a veterinarian if you have any concerns about your bearded dragon’s health or well-being.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of bearded dragon do I have?
Bearded dragons are fascinating and popular pets, but identifying their exact species can be a little tricky. The first step in identifying your bearded dragon is to look at its physical characteristics. The most common types of bearded dragons are the Pogona vitticeps and Pogona henrylawsoni.
The Pogona vitticeps, also known as the Central Bearded Dragon, is the most common type of bearded dragon and is native to Australia. They have a triangular-shaped head, broad body, and a distinctive beard of spiny scales under their chin. Pogona henrylawsoni, or the Western Bearded Dragon, is smaller in size and has a more rounded head and a shorter beard.
How old is my bearded dragon?
Determining the age of a bearded dragon can be challenging, as their growth rate varies depending on their diet and environment. However, there are a few ways to estimate their age. One way is to measure their length, as younger bearded dragons tend to be shorter. You can also look at their physical characteristics, such as the size of their head and the color of their scales, which can change as they age.
Another way to estimate their age is to ask the breeder or previous owner, if you have that information. They may be able to give you an approximate age based on when the bearded dragon hatched or when it was purchased.
What should I feed my bearded dragon?
Bearded dragons are omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They require a balanced diet that includes a variety of foods, including insects, vegetables, and fruits. Some good options for protein include crickets, mealworms, and dubia roaches. For vegetables, you can feed them kale, collard greens, and carrots.
It’s important to avoid feeding your bearded dragon foods that are high in fat, such as cheese, or that are toxic to them, such as avocado. Additionally, make sure to provide them with fresh water every day and to dust their food with calcium and vitamin supplements to ensure they are getting all the nutrients they need.
How often should I clean my bearded dragon’s enclosure?
Cleaning your bearded dragon’s enclosure regularly is important for their health and well-being. How often you clean it depends on the size of the enclosure and the number of bearded dragons you have. As a general rule, you should clean their enclosure once a week.
Start by removing any uneaten food and cleaning out their water dish. Then, remove any soiled substrate and replace it with fresh substrate. You should also clean any decorations or accessories in the enclosure. Finally, wipe down the walls and floor of the enclosure with a reptile-safe disinfectant.
How can I tell if my bearded dragon is healthy?
Bearded dragons are generally healthy animals, but like all pets, they can get sick. There are a few signs that can indicate if your bearded dragon is healthy or not.
First, check their appetite. A healthy bearded dragon will have a good appetite and will eagerly eat their food. They should also be active and alert, moving around their enclosure and basking under their heat lamp.
Another important factor is their weight. You should weigh your bearded dragon regularly to ensure they are maintaining a healthy weight. Additionally, check their skin and eyes for any signs of shedding or infection. If you notice any changes in their behavior or appearance, it’s important to consult with a veterinarian who specializes in reptiles.
Types of Bearded Dragons – Colors & Morphs Explained
In conclusion, identifying the type of bearded dragon you have is an important step in providing the best possible care for your pet. By taking note of their physical characteristics, behavior, and habitat preferences, you can determine whether they are a Pogona vitticeps or one of the many other species of bearded dragons.
Once you have identified your bearded dragon’s species, you can tailor their diet, lighting, and temperature needs to suit their specific requirements. This will help ensure that they stay healthy, happy, and thrive in their environment.
In summary, while it may take some time and effort to identify your bearded dragon’s species, the benefits of doing so far outweigh the cost. With the right care and attention, your bearded dragon can live a long and healthy life, providing you with years of joy and companionship.
