LOCUS.Scales
Species care guide
Bearded dragon
Quick sourced reference values. LOCUS Scales' full breeding/genetics toolset is built specifically for ball pythons — this page is a courtesy reference for other species.
Scientific name
Pogona vitticeps
Native range
Arid interior of Australia
Lifespan
8-12 years, sometimes up to 15
Lifestyle
🌍🌳 Semi-arboreal (terrestrial, climbs rocks/branches to bask)
Desert species — needs a wide gradient. Warm ambient zone: ~91°F (33°C). The basking spot (exact surface, under the lamp) runs noticeably hotter — 104-113°F (40-45°C) per ReptiFiles, the zone most often underestimated by beginners who confuse ambient and surface temperature. Humidity: 30-40% commonly cited, ReptiFiles broadens that to 30-60%. Sources: ReptiFiles, PetMD. Notable fact: unlike most reptiles, bearded dragons show very little fear of humans, even as juveniles. Adult/advanced-juvenile diet is roughly 80% vegetal, the rest insects (never fireflies, caterpillars, or butterflies — toxic).
Diet: Omnivore — the ratio flips with age. Baby: ~70-80% insects. Adult: ~70-80% plant matter (leafy greens), insects a minority.
Feeding frequency: Baby (0-3 months): insects 2-3x/day + greens offered daily. Juvenile: insect/plant ratio gradually drops toward 50/50. Adult (12+ months): greens daily, insects only 2-3x/week.
Substrate: Reptile carpet or paper towel for a baby — safety first. A well-established adult can move to a compacted sand-soil mix. Loose fine sand for babies is widely discouraged — higher impaction risk in young animals (see also the FAQ below).
🏠 Enclosure size
Adult : 48×18×18in minimum for a pair (min. 18in depth due to body bulk)
Common questions
UVB — what type, and why is it non-negotiable?
A bearded dragon absolutely needs UVB (10-12%, linear tube ideally covering 2/3 of the enclosure) to synthesize vitamin D3 and absorb calcium — without it, real risk of metabolic bone disease (MBD), one of the most common causes of death in this species in captivity. Replace the tube every 6-12 months even if it still visibly lights up (UVB output drops well before visible light weakens).
How do you tell a male from a female?
In adults: males have more pronounced femoral pores on the underside of the thighs, a generally wider/more triangular head, and a beard that blackens more easily. The most reliable method remains examining the base of the tail (visible hemipenes in males) — tricky to do yourself without experience, a vet or experienced breeder can confirm.
Signs a bearded dragon is too hot or not warm enough?
Too hot: open mouth (gaping), color paling/blanching, actively seeking the cool side, lethargy. Not warm enough: sits near the lamp without actually warming up, slow digestion, poor appetite, unusually subdued behavior. A thermostat with a probe is essential — never run a heat lamp without control.
"Black beard" — warning sign or normal?
Depends on context. A beard that briefly darkens during display, passing stress, or right before shedding is normal. A persistently black beard combined with lethargy, appetite loss, or behavior change deserves real attention — can signal pain, chronic stress, or illness.
Baths — necessary or not?
Not required daily, but useful 1-2 times/week for hydration and to support shedding — lukewarm, shallow water (never above the legs/lower body), never left unsupervised.
Insects — which ones to absolutely avoid?
Never fireflies (toxic, often fatal), unidentified caterpillars or butterflies (some are toxic or covered in irritant hairs), or wild-caught insects from outside (pesticide/parasite risk). Always use commercially farmed feeder insects, sized appropriately (no wider than the space between the dragon's eyes, to avoid impaction).
Substrate — which is safe?
Active debate in the community. Options considered safe by most recent sources: reptile carpet, newspaper/paper towel (especially for babies, where accidental ingestion risk is highest), or a compacted sand-soil mix for well-established adults. Loose fine sand for babies is widely discouraged — higher impaction risk in young animals.