The Types of Bearded Dragons

Bearded dragons can be found in homes across the globe. Despite being bred all over the world, all bearded dragons originate from Australia where their habitat varies depending upon the species of dragon. The name "bearded dragon" comes from the prominent beard under the animal's throat, which is a defence mechanism when the bearded dragon is threatened: it puffs up the spikes in the beard to seem larger to predators. There are seven species of bearded dragon, all with different traits, habitats and sizes. Despite their differences, bearded dragons share some similarities as they all live a common lifespan of 8 to 12 years and survive off a diet of insects and leafy greens.

  1. Eastern Bearded Dragon

    • Found along the east coast of Australia, this 2-foot long lizard can be found in both lush forests and barren desert. Its is considered to be quite a nuisance in its homeland due to its nasty habit of lying in the middle of roads warming itself during the day. Ranging in color from brown to dark grey, the eastern bearded dragon is the largest species of bearded dragon and lives a calm life of solitude.

    Inland Bearded Dragon

    • This species of dragon is the most commonly distributed species in the pet industry due to its manageable size, docile nature and calm disposition. Inland bearded dragons are also the most commonly found wild bearded dragons, with their natural habitat stretching from central to southern Australia. Sometimes referred to as the central bearded dragon, this 6- to 8-inch long reptile can live for up to 10 years. Its varying array of patterns and colors as scales means that no inland bearded dragons are the same.

    Lawson's Bearded Dragon

    • Found in central Queensland, this dragon only grow to be 12 inches long. Its habitat is the hot, dry and unforgiving rocky terrain of the Queensland desert, making it the most difficult species of dragon to keep in captivity. For this dragon to stay alive in captivity, the conditions of its natural habitat have to be replicated. Its coloring is a dull brown so that it may blend in with its scorched surroundings. Notoriously difficult to breed, the Lawson's bearded dragon is one of the most rare breeds of dragon.

    Drysdale River Bearded Dragon

    • This type of dragon is found only in a small and remote region called the Kimberly plateau, the northern most point of western Australia. These dragons cannot be found anywhere else in the world as it is illegal to remove them from their small and threatened habitat. The Drysdale River bearded dragon only grows to be 10 inches long. It has a wonderful brown and white speckled pattern running down its back.

    Nullabor Bearded Dragon

    • Recognized by the white bands of skin that run across its back, this dragon is found only in the Nullabor Plain in western Australia. The Nullabor is extremely difficult to breed in captivity due to its extreme habitat conditions. The Nullabor plain is described as a barren piece of limestone and is located is southern Australia. This dragon can grow up to 14 inches long and can retain water for days at a time.

    Mitchell's Northwest Bearded Dragon

    • This is the smallest species of dragon, reaching only 8 inches in length when it is fully grown. Hailing from an area of dry woodlands and desert in western Australia, this dragon has a very small beard due to its undeveloped spines found under its throat. This dragon has attractive black and white spots along its back, which allow it to blend in with both the forest and desert climates.

    Western Bearded Dragon

    • Reaching a maximum of 20 inches fully grown, the western bearded dragon is found along the western coast of Australia. The western dragon is easily recognizable by its long and slender legs and tail. Brown and white lines run from its head to its tail, making it one of the most attractive-looking dragon species.