Do you want to learn a little more about the interesting bearded dragon?
It may be surprising to learn there are different species of bearded dragons out there.
It seems obvious when you think about it, but it may start you wondering:
How many species of bearded dragons are there?
There are eight main species of bearded dragons and one more related species. These species vary in size and environment, but the vast majority of pet bearded dragons are the Pogona Vitticeps species.
Read ahead for a brief discussion of these species.
8 (Or 9) Species Of Bearded Dragons
Depending on whom you talk to, there are 8 or 9 species of bearded dragons.
The odd one may not be a true bearded dragon, but it is very similar.
Here is a little about the eight main species of the bearded dragon.
Pogona Barbata – Also known as the coastal or eastern dragon, they are most commonly found in eastern Australia.
They are also found rarely in the central and southern regions.
This species lives in dry, wooded areas and climbs more than other bearded dragons.
This beardy can grow up to 24″ inches long.
Pogona Henrylawsoni – The Lawsons dragon comes from the western and central Australian regions near Queensland.
As with other beardies, it enjoys hot and climates.
This desert reptile grows up to 12″ inches in length and is an active climber.
Pogona Microlepidota – The Drysdale river dragon is found on the coast and woodlands of North Kimberley, Australia.
This is unlike most of the other reptiles from this family.
This species is small; 4″ – 6″ inches in length is all it will grow too.
These beardies are rare and aren’t kept as pets.
Pogona Minor Minor – With a nickname of the Dwarf bearded dragon, you’d expect this beardy to be small, but it still grows to a respectable 14″ – 18″ inches in length.
These guys are rare and make their home in rock environments in western and central Australia.
Pogona Minor Minima – The Western bearded dragon is another small one.
This kind is rarely found in the wild, but it is also seen in dry woodland areas along the Houtman Abrolhos Islands.
At 12″ inches in length, it’s not the smallest bearded dragon, but it’s on the smaller end.
Pogona Minor Mitchelli – The Mitchells bearded dragon grows up to 18″ inches in length.
It is found in a couple of different places, including the semi-tropical woodlands and deserts of northwestern Australia.
This kind is rare and seldom kept as a pet.
Pogona Nullarbor – As you’d expect from its scientific name, this bearded dragon is called the Nullarbor bearded dragon.
Hailing from Southern Australia, they prefer a flat environment with a lot of brush.
They grow to around 14″ inches in length when fully grown.
Pogona Vitticeps – The Central bearded dragon is considered the king of bearded dragons.
They are, by far, the most common, and these are the ones you find as pets.
As the name suggests, you could find this reptile in the wilds of Central Australia.
They live in deserts, brush fields, and dry forests.
Anywhere it’s dry and hot.
Fully grown, this reptile reaches 24″ inches in length.
One of the hallmarks of this species is its calm personality, active daily life, love for climbing, and healthy disposition.
If you have a bearded dragon pet, you have the Pogona Vitticeps.
Bearded Dragon Morphs
Other types of bearded dragons are called dragon morphs or fancies.
These bearded dragons are all part of the Pogona Vitticeps species, but they have special colorings or scale patterns which have been bred into them.
Here are the names categorizing the different types of morphs.
Hypo – The hypomelanistic bearded dragon is one with a lighter color in its scales, nails, and eyes.
This is one of the more common types of morphs.
They also often have just lighter colors as well.
Trans – A translucent bearded dragon has slightly see-through skin and scales.
You will also their eyes are often solid black.
Hypo Trans – As the name says, this is a combination of hypo and trans traits in bearded dragons.
The coloration of the scales, nails, and eyes are lighter, and they all also have a translucent quality to them.
As a combination, this is quite rare, and the result is a unique dragon.
Het Hypo – These bearded dragons are of interest to breeders only.
A het hypo dragon has the hypogene, but the traits aren’t visible.
These beardies can still be bred to reveal the hypogene in its children.
Het Trans – Similar to the het hypo, with a het trans, the transgene is present but not seen.
Double Het – This type is when a het hypo and a het trans are combined.
The traits are present but don’t show themselves visually.
Trans Het Hypo – For this beardies, the translucent gene is seen, but the hypo qualities are hidden.
Hypo Het Trans – You see the lighter coloration, but the translucent gene is hidden.
German Giant Bearded Dragon – A rare German Giant gene and selective breeding may result in this morph.
The bearded dragon is 50% larger than a standard bearded dragon.
Combined with different colors, these beardies are interesting.
Unfortunately, most experts are admitting this gene is disappearing.
Learn more about giant bearded dragons.
Leatherback Bearded Dragons – This beardie has a gene bred into them, which prevents scales from fully growing.
This doesn’t cause health issues, and the texture of the reptile’s skin is softer.
Silkback Bearded Dragon – Breeding two leatherback bearded dragons may result in this type.
It has little to no scales and completely smooth skin.
For more information on bearded dragon morphs, read What Kind Of Bearded Dragon Do I Have?
Conclusion
Now you how many species of bearded dragons there are.
Of these 8 or 9 (depending on whom you talk to), you’re most likely only ever to see one: Pogona Vitticeps.
The other ones aren’t usually kept as pets.
