Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) - Gentle omnivorous lizards from Australia.
The term "bearded" refers to it's ability to flare out skin in the throat region when being threatened or territorial. These gentle lizards can grow up to 2ft in length (including it's tail) and live about 10 years, although there have been reported cases of some living much longer! There are many great sites out there to learn more and how to care for these wonderful critters. I like Animal Planet's site.
George was my early Valentine's Day gift from John in 2010. John and I left school early one day (skipping my favorite class that semester, SHARKS!) and went to the pet store. There were a handful of tiny dragons in the Bearded Dragon terrarium and I thought it would be hard to choose, but I immediately fell in love with the alert, healthy-looking one chilling up on one of the branches waving at me (waving is a typical Bearded Dragon behavior which is believed to be a passive sign/submission.) From that day on I became a reptile nerd (probably John's dream come true.)
He was so tiny and quick that I was nervous holding him for the first couple of weeks.
This is him in his new home on V-day at about 6 weeks old.
Sleeping in my hand (about 6 months old.)
George getting fresh (about 8 months old.)
Helping me scan slides (1 year old.)
We lost our electric due to Hurricane Irene this past August so I had to drive George and all his special lights to John's house.
He was a fun subject when I bought my ring light flash and macro equipment (1 1/2 years old.)
George loves chillin' in his hammock. Such a tough life he has...
Bath time! This is my most recent photo of him. He is now 2 years old!
Bearded Dragons are so passive and sweet. George is actually hanging out with me right now as I blog from bed. I love my dragon.
Colleen xo