DISTRIBUTION: Australia 

SIZE: Large males to 2 feet (60 cm); females slightly smaller. 

TEMPERAMENT: One of the more readily tamed lizards available. Maturing males should be kept separate. 

HARDINESS: Extremely hardy when properly set up and maintained. 

SEXING: Mature males have enlarged pre-anal and femoral pores. 

FOOD: Crickets, mealworms, kingworms, waxworms, butterworms, fuzzy and pinkie mice, leafy green vegetables (romaine lettuce, mustard greens, kale, etc.,) carrots, yams, small amounts of melons and various other fruits and edible flowers. Moistened monkey and dog chow may also be fed in limited amounts. All animal food items should be nutrient fed. All food items should be sprinkled with calcium twice weekly. Bearded dragons are prone to Vitamin A poisoning. If using a vitamin powder that contains vitamin A , use only once or twice a month. There is at least one vitamin powder on the market that substitutes beta carotene for vitamin A. This can be used once a week. 

HOUSING: Babies and juveniles may be raised in a 15-20 gallon (57-76 liter) vivarium. Use sand as a substrate. Hollow logs, driftwood, cholla branches, and rocks can be used to landscape. 

WATER: Provide a large shallow dish of fresh water. It should be cleaned daily. 

TEMPERATURE/HUMIDITY: Day 80F-100F (27C-38C) gradient. Night 65F-75F (18C-24C). Low humidity, mist daily. 

LIGHTING: Unfiltered natural sunlight is a must for long term care and maintenance of bearded dragons, especially babies and juveniles. Fluorescent full spectrum/UV radiant reptile lights can also be used. Use a light that emits UV B radiation. 

HEATING: Under tank heaters will provide 24 hour surface heat. Incandescent bulbs in a reflector should be situated over a basking area to provide proper gradient heat. All heat should be at one end of the vivarium to allow the animal a cool retreat. Use a thermometer. 

GENERAL NOTES: Ponga barbatus may be kept in the same manner.