Eastern Bearded Dragon

Scientific Name: Pogona barbata

Size: Snout Vent Length 250mm, Total Length 600mm

What does it look like?

The Eastern Bearded Dragon has a robust, flattened body, triangular head and long, tapering tail. Upperparts covered in raised tubercles, longer under expandable beard (throat). Pale grey, yellowish-brown or blackish above, with series of pale blotches arranged longitudinally on both sides of spine, either circular, oval or merging together to form broad line. Tail normally banded, becoming darker grey or blackish towards tip. Underparts whitish-grey, with round markings. Inside of mouth pale to bright yellow.

Where is it found?

Eastern and southern mainland, from south of Cape York Peninsula, through eastern NSW, to central Vic, and in south-eastern SA.

What are its habitats & habits?

The Eastern Bearded Dragon is found in forests, woodland and adjacent areas, where it is semiarboreal. Often seen basking on tree branches, timber posts and sides of roads. Feeds on invertebrates, small lizards and plant material, especially flowers. Relies on camouflage to avoid detection, clinging to trees and flattening body. Oviparous, laying up to 30 (average 16) soft-shelled eggs in burrow that female digs, then backfills to conceal the eggs. If threatened, expands spiny beard and opens mouth to show bright yellow lining.