7 Interesting Facts about Bearded Dragons

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Want to know some interesting facts about bearded dragons?

For example, whether they hibernate, change colors, or like other lizards?

Below, we’re checking out 7 of the most intriguing little tidbits about these beautiful reptiles.

Let’s dig in!

7 INTERESTING FACTS ABOUT BEARDED DRAGONS

We’ve uncovered some of the most useful as well as strange facts about bearded dragons for you. Enjoy!

#1 Bearded dragons change their color

leatherback bearded dragon hunting for insects to eat

Are you familiar with mood rings? You know, those jewelry items that change color based on your body temperature? Well, beardies are pretty much the same. 

A study done by the University of Melbourne revealed that these animals change the color of their body depending on two things:

  • Their social interactions
  • The temperature in their surroundings

What we find particularly intriguing is their ability to change the color of a specific body part.

When they want to keep their temperature constant, they’ll change just the color of their back.

When they want to communicate, usually to fellow beardies, they’ll change the neck’s color. Isn’t that so neat?

CHECK: Best Bearded Dragon Breeders

#2 Bearded dragons can change their sex

close-up shot of a bearded dragon facing right: bearded dragon names from movies

Sequential hermaphroditism. This is the term that scientists use to refer to animals that can change their sex, and the delightful bearded dragon is one of them. 

Researchers have discovered that at high temperatures, a male beardie can reverse course and become a female.

If her eggs are incubated at a temperature below 32°C, then its sexual differentiation will depend on the chromosomes. 

But, if the temperature rises above that, the number of eggs will increase sporadically, resulting in the development of a female.

This will happen regardless of the original composition of the chromosomes. 

#3 Bearded dragons are loners

yellow bearded dragon with a fierce look

If you own a bearded dragon, you’ve probably thought that he feels lonely, spending all his time in a tank with a lamp beside him.

But contrary to your assumption, he is thrilled that he has the cage all to himself.

He gets to devour all the food, soak up all the heat, and there’s no other beardie around him trying to assert his dominance.

Plus, he gets to be the center of your attention. 

If you were considering adopting another beardie, then provide him with a separate shelter. Otherwise, they will likely start fighting over resources. 

READ MORE: How Much Does a Bearded Dragon Cost?

#4 Bearded dragons undergo brumation 

female bearded dragon sleeping in the corner lying on a wood

This is one of the most useful facts about bearded dragons, especially for new owners who are worried that there’s something wrong with their pal during the winter.

Brumation is simply the reptile version of hibernating, and it’s particularly common among bearded dragons. 

Here’s the deal, beardies aren’t very fond of winter.

Brumation is their way of coping with the problems that come with the cold season namely, minimal sunlight, fewer resources, and lower temperatures. 

So when winter sets in, their metabolism starts to slow down significantly, leaving them with little energy.

As a result, you will notice your bearded dragon sleeping in the corner, moving around less, and barely eating.

He won’t come out to bask even when there’s a bit of sunshine. 

#5 Bearded dragons live for up to 10 years

exotic bearded dragon in front of limestones

Like any other animal, a beardie’s lifespan depends on factors, such as diet, sex, size, breeding method, species, habitat among others.

For instance, a tamed beardie will live longer than his cousin in the wild because types of bearded dragons are less likely to encounter predators.

National Geographic estimates that this creature’s lifespan is anywhere from 4 to 10 years. But a few end up surviving way long past the 10-year mark. 

Research shows that Sebastian was the oldest bearded dragon to have ever lived. He died at the age of 18 years 237 days back in 2016. 

ALSO CHECK

#6 Bearded dragons are venomous

an interesting fact that bearded dragon is eating june bugs

Beardies are generally calm, friendly, and gentle. As such, they avoid combative or confrontational activity, especially when it comes to their interactions with humans.

That said, they do bite if they feel threatened, and when they do, they excrete venom

The good news is that the venom they excrete is pretty mild- compared to other reptiles like snakes.

This means that you won’t experience any severe side effects. The area around the bite might swell, but that’s all you’ll likely experience. 

Word of caution: Be very careful when handling the eastern bearded dragon as he has two pairs of venom glands while the rest have only one pair. 

#7 Bearded dragons are allergic to fireflies

bearded dragon on a gray rock

Any chance you were thinking of feeding your beardie fireflies for lunch? If so, you might want to rethink your menu. 

Beardies, and reptiles in general, can suffer fatal reactions if they feed on fireflies.

According to  ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, these insects contain compounds known as lucibufagins.

These can cause an array of side effects, from difficulty breathing to color change, regurgitation, and sudden death. 

Wrap Up

Bearded dragons are an interesting lot of creatures. They possess exceptional traits, such as their ability to change sex. 

They can also change the color of some of their body parts based on either their social interactions or current temperatures.

All in all, they make excellent pets for novice and veteran pet owners alike. 

Bearded dragon standing tall with text that reads

Do you know other interesting facts about bearded dragons? please share below!

Olfa Turki
Olfa Turki

Olfa knows how to get things done and has a keen business sense that others admire. She’s always on the go, coming up with new ideas! Her ability to anticipate the needs of her readers and deliver information that they want is what makes CatVills such a success. She loves cuddling her cat Picaciu. He is her inspiration.
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