Fur, Feathers & Scales : Bearded Dragon

Hi there!  It's time to meet another critter!  This time, you'll be meeting a reptile.  This is Yoshi, the bearded dragon!

Bearded dragons are lizards that come from Australia.  They are also very popular pets and can live about 15 years or so with proper care.  They get their name from a very interesting defense mechanism.  If they feel threatened, they puff up their chin and their spikey scales stick out and turn black, making them look like they have a black, spiky beard! (I sort of think they look like Abe Lincoln...)

All reptiles have scales, and the bearded dragon's scales are very rough.  They even have super spiky scales along their sides to prevent animals from grabbing them. Their long toes and toenails help them climb--they spend a lot of time on low branches.

Bearded dragons are omnivores and eat insects, worms,  and maybe a small rodent and vegetation.  Yoshi loves to eat mealworms...



Isn't he such a great model!  Are you a fan of reptiles?