About Pogona minor (Sternfeld, 1919)
This species is the western bearded dragon, scientifically named Pogona minor (Sternfeld, 1919). The nominate subspecies Pogona minor minor reaches 15 cm (5.9 in) in snout-to-vent length (SVL), and 38 cm (15 in) in total length including the tail. The subspecies P. m. minima is slightly smaller, with an 11 cm (4.3 in) SVL, while P. m. mitchelli is slightly larger at 16 cm (6.3 in) SVL. All bearded dragons of this species have chameleon-like coloration, which either lets them blend into their surroundings or lets them display brighter patterns during interactions with other bearded dragons. They resemble Pogona nullarbor and Caimanops amphiboluroides (the mulga dragon) in appearance, but can be distinguished by their smaller head, and the specific arrangement of spines on their underside and neck. The western bearded dragon Pogona minor is widespread across Southwest Australia and the central deserts of Australia. Its range covers semiarid regions including woodland and heathland, as well as arid desert and coastal dunes. The nominate subspecies also occurs on Dirk Hartog Island. The subspecies Pogona minor minima is found on West, North, and East Wallabi Islands in the Houtman Abrolhos. Pogona minor is oviparous, meaning it reproduces by laying eggs. Adult females usually lay clutches of 5 to 9 eggs, though clutches as large as 15 eggs have been recorded.
