DID YOU KNOW?

Colouration

Colouration varies drastically between bearded dragons. Species, locales, temperature and even mood can contribute to one bearded dragon looking entirely different to the next. P.vitticeps can change its colour to better help the individual thermoregulate their temperature.

will change to deep orange sand and rocky outcrops. This diversity in locales contributes to the vibrant herpetoculture morph breeding scene which recognises countless colour and pattern variations.

What next?

Venom

In 2005, researchers at The University of Melbourne, led by Bryan Fry, discovered that the Eastern bearded dragon (P. barbata) still possess ancient venom glands. Bryan writes “Pogona barbata retains characteristics of the ancestral venom system, namely serial, lobular non-compound venomsecreting glands on both the upper and lower jaw”. Moreover, their research suggested that a huge spectrum of lizards, including monitors (Varanidae) and iguanas (Iguanidae) produce some form of active venom. Entirely harmless to humans, the remnants of ancestral venom producing organs is thought to have assisted in hunting prey.

Third eye

Bearded dragons, like many species of reptile and amphibian have a ‘third eye’. Known as the pineal or parietal eye, this photosensitive organ is located on the top of the dragons head and triggers hormone production and thermoregulation. Although the organ has a rudimentary lens and retina (of sorts), it cannot process vision. However, this presence of a parietal eye suggests that keepers should never use white light in the enclosure at night. It also explains why some bearded dragons will quickly dash into cover if they are being picked up from above.

P. vitticeps can also partition colour change, meaning they adjust their colour on separate parts of the body. A 2016 study proved that the central bearded dragon can adjust the colour of their back to maintain their optimum body temperature, whilst simultaneously adjusting the colour of their ‘beard’ to exhibit social cues.

In outback Australia, the environment can change drastically across a very short distance. Despite the imagery of red sand and dead trees, the arid and semi-arid environments that bearded dragons inhabit are rich and diverse. Some locations will have dark brown dirt with dense vegetation yet within a few miles this

As further field research develops and platforms such as Beardie Vet make this more accessible than ever, we should expect to see husbandry standards increase across the world. Breakthroughs in product development are also bringing important UV lighting and naturalistic substrates to the industry making this professional husbandry more achievable than ever. Dr Jonathon Howard concluded: “We are in the golden age of reptile keeping now. In the 90s we didn’t know these things. Although there’s always more to learn, we know the basics and we know what’s needed for good husbandry.”

HEALTHY & SAFE

Solarmeter ® point-and-click handheld meters ensure the health and safety of your reptile. The Model 6.2R is used to monitor lamp intensity and lamp life. The Model 6.5R measures the UV Index related to the Vitamin D action spectrum and Ferguson Zones to identify reptile-safe basking areas.