Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Found In: desert to dry forests and scrublands in Eastern and central Australia
Size: 13 – 24 inches
Diet: Omnivore: plant material, insects, spiders, small invertebrates and some small mammals
Threat Level: Least concern, commonly found in the pet industry
Facts: The “beard” is an expandable throat pouch with spiky scales used to both ward off predators and attackers or for mating displays.
![Bearded Dragon at the Virginia Zoo](https://i0.wp.com/virginiazoo.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/bearded-dragon-4131090_1920.jpg?resize=1024%2C683&ssl=1)