Pogona henrylawsonii
Description
The Pygmy Bearded Dragon (Pogona henrylawsonii) is a small lizard that grows to approximately 20 cm in length. They range in colour from pale olive brown to yellowish brown with 2 rows of pale blotches on the body. Pygmy Bearded Dragons are found in the open ‘black-soil plains’ of central western Queensland, and are diurnal (active during the day). They are mainly ground dwellers who live and feed among rocks, grass and clay cracks in the ground.
Breeding generally occurs in summer time, with females laying a clutch of 10-20 oval shaped white eggs with soft, flexible shells. These are laid in a shallow hole dug into the soil.
Pygmy Bearded Dragons are relatively short-lived, with a maximum life span of 5-6 years.
Adaptations
- Excellent camouflage
- They can regulate their body temperature by changing their skin colour (dark colours absorb more heat than lighter colours)
- When fleeing danger, they can run on their rear legs only (becoming a biped), however this is only at running speed
Feeding relationships
- What I eat: insects, small reptiles, flowers
- What eats me: Predatory birds (Kookaburras and Hawks), Snakes (Eastern brown and Mulga)
Interesting facts
In captivity, Pygmy Bearded Dragons have been bred with Central Bearded Dragons (Pogona vitticeps) to produce fertile offspring.