Central Bearded Dragon
Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Size: Snout Vent Length 250 mm; Total Length 550 mm
What does it look like?
The Central Bearded Dragon has a robust, flattened body, broad, triangular head and short, rounded, tapering tail. Upperparts covered in raised tubercles, longer under expandable beard (gular pouch) and sides of body. Grey, yellowish, reddish-brown or blackish, with series of paler elongated, longitudinally arranged blotches on either side of back. Pale-edged dark streaks from eye through ear to edge of head. Undersurface grey, blackish on throat, with longitudinal, oval-shaped rings.
Where is it found?
Semi-arid interior of eastern Australia, including western NSW, south-western Qld, south-eastern NT, eastern SA and north-western Vic.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Central Bearded Dragon occurs in dry grassland, shrubland and woodland, where it is active during the day, foraging on the ground for plant matter and invertebrates. Good climber, and normally seen basking on rocks, trees and fence posts. When alarmed extends beard and opens mouth. Oviparous, laying up to 15 soft-shelled eggs in a clutch.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Reptiles of Australia
