About Pogona barbata (Cuvier, 1829)
Pogona barbata is one of eight recognized species in the genus Pogona. Adult males reach approximately 60 cm (24 inches) in total length from snout to tail tip, while adult females grow to around 50 cm (20 inches) long. This species has a large, triangular head. Its throat is covered in spiny, dark grey scales that can be lifted to create a prominent "beard". Additional groups of longer spiny scales are found at the back of the head, the corners of the mouth, around the external ear openings, and run backward along both sides of the abdomen. The thorax and abdomen are relatively slender and flattened dorsoventrally. Base body color is most often grey-black or red, and can sometimes be reddish-brown, yellowish-brown, or dark brown. Juveniles are paler than adults and have patterned markings that fade as they mature. As they reach adulthood, a subtle pale yellow, blue, or green tint develops on the front portion of the head. When the lizard is excited or exposed to higher temperatures, the head, flanks, and legs turn a yellowish to orange color; otherwise, individuals are typically quite dark, ranging from yellowish through grey to black. The inside of the mouth is usually bright yellow. P. barbata is closely related to the central bearded dragon, but can be told apart by its less robust body and the continuous row of spines along the body's lateral edge that extends over the forearm. This species is most common in eastern Australia south of Cape York Peninsula, though individual specimens have been collected from Cape York, across central Australia, and as far as the west coast of Australia. Eastern bearded dragons are diurnal. They are arboreal, and perch in open locations such as tree branches or logs, retreating to lower, cooler areas when they become too hot. They are more aggressive than central bearded dragons. Males are territorial, and only allow females and juveniles to enter their territories. Dominant males are typically the largest individuals and occupy the highest perches. Females dig tunnels into dry soil to lay clutches of eggs. When threatened, P. barbata inflates its throat and displays its beard. If provoked further, it opens its mouth to show the bright yellow lining of its mouth; in comparison, the closely related central bearded dragon has a reddish-pink mouth lining. Eastern bearded dragons perform this beard display more frequently than their close relative.
