Bearded dragons are a popular reptile choice for pet owners who are looking for an easy-to-care-for and friendly companion. These lizards are generally hardy and uncomplicated, making them a great option for new reptile owners. Here, we’ll be taking a look at two different types of bearded dragons: Eastern and Central.
When it comes to Eastern and Central bearded dragons, there are some differences between them that should be taken into account when looking for a pet. We’ll discuss the differences in terms of their size, coloration, behavior, and requirements for care.
This article will provide you with the information you need to decide which type of bearded dragon is the right fit for you.
What Are The Similarities Between Eastern Bearded Dragon And Central?
Eastern bearded dragons and Central Bearded dragons have many similarities, most notably their size, and color. Both species typically grow to a length of 18-24 inches and display the same range of colors. Both species also have a similar lifespan of 8-10 years in captivity.
Size
The similarities between Eastern Bearded Dragon and Central Bearded Dragons in terms of size are evident. Both species are medium-sized lizards that can reach up to 20 inches in length.
Central Bearded Dragons grow slightly larger than Eastern Bearded Dragons, typically reaching up to 22 inches in length. These lizards can grow to a maximum of 24 inches in captivity. Both species possess a large, triangular head and a long, thin body. They also have a large, round tail that can be used for balance.
The size of both Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons can be broken down further into:
- Weight
- Eastern Bearded Dragons typically weigh between 120-200 grams
- Central Bearded Dragons typically weigh between 150-250 grams
- Length
- Eastern Bearded Dragons typically reach up to 20 inches in length
- Central Bearded Dragons typically reach up to 22 inches in length
- Size at Maturity
- Eastern Bearded Dragons reach their full size at around 12-14 months old
- Central Bearded Dragons reach their full size at around 18-24 months old
In conclusion, Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons have similar sizes. They are both medium-sized lizards that can reach up to 20 inches in length, with Central Bearded Dragons growing slightly larger than Eastern Bearded Dragons. Additionally, their size can be further broken down into weight, length, and size at maturity.
Color
A key similarity between Eastern Bearded Dragon and Central Bearded Dragon is their coloration. Both varieties of bearded dragons have an overall yellow-orange coloration, with variations of reds, yellows, and browns in the patterning on their backs.
The color of Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons can vary based on their age, sex, and location. Additionally, both varieties of bearded dragons have a darker stripe on their backs, which is more prominent in males than females.
- Eastern Bearded Dragon
- Juveniles: Bright yellow-orange coloration with black and white stripes
- Adults: Orange-brown coloration with darker brown and black markings
- Males: Darker stripes than females
- Central Bearded Dragon
- Juveniles: Bright yellow-orange coloration with black and white stripes
- Adults: Reddish orange coloration with darker brown and black markings
- Males: Darker stripes than females
Overall, Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons share many similarities in their coloration, with subtle differences in the tones and hues.
Lifespan
The similarities in lifespan between the Eastern Bearded Dragon and Central Bearded Dragon are quite remarkable. While both species have an average lifespan of 10-15 years, there are some care considerations that can help to extend the lifespan of a pet dragon.
- For example, good nutrition, an appropriate environment, and regular veterinary care can all help to extend the life of a dragon.
- In addition, providing a variety of enrichment activities, such as climbing, swimming, and sunning, can also help to ensure a dragon’s long-term health and vitality.
Together, these simple steps can help to ensure that a pet dragon lives a long, healthy, and happy life.
What Are The Differences Between Eastern Bearded Dragon And Central?
In terms of size, the Eastern Bearded Dragon is typically smaller than the Central. Regarding coloration, the Eastern Bearded Dragon typically has red or yellow accents on its body, whereas the Central is usually a brown or tan color.
Finally, the Eastern Bearded Dragon tends to prefer insects as part of its diet, while the Central will eat both insects and plants.
Size
Although Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons have many similarities, there are also some marked differences. Perhaps the most readily discernable difference between the two is size.
Eastern Bearded Dragons generally reach a length of 18-22 inches, while Central Bearded Dragons are much larger, typically reaching 24-26 inches.
When it comes to size, there are a few other distinguishing characteristics. The size of the head is a key factor in determining the species. Eastern Bearded Dragons tend to have larger heads and more slender bodies, while Central Bearded Dragons have wider bodies and more bulbous heads.
- Eastern Bearded Dragons
- Length: 18-22 inches
- Head Size: Larger
- Body Size: Slender
- Central Bearded Dragons
- Length: 24-26 inches
- Head Size: Bulbous
- Body Size: Wider
The tail of both species is long and similar in shape, but Central Bearded Dragons often have a wider tail base. Finally, Eastern Bearded Dragons typically weigh between 120-180 grams, while Central Bearded Dragons generally weigh between 140-200 grams.
Coloration
Although Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons share many similarities, they also have some distinct differences, particularly in the area of coloration.
While Eastern Bearded Dragons are usually a light tan to a yellowish brown with some darker brown markings, Central Bearded Dragons are typically a much darker gray or black with yellow and white stripes. Furthermore, there are several distinct variations of coloration in Central Bearded Dragons which can include:
- Red or orange with black and white stripes
- Bright yellow with dark gray stripes and spots
- Pale yellow or cream with white stripes and spots
Additionally, Central Bearded Dragons may also have different coloration patterns depending on their age, with juveniles typically being much brighter than adults. This is in comparison to Eastern Bearded Dragons, which do not have any drastic changes in coloration as they age. Overall, the differences in coloration between Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons are quite striking, making them easy to distinguish from one another.
Diet
In contrast to the similarities between Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons, their diets are quite different. While Eastern Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, Central Bearded Dragons are strictly herbivorous. This difference in diet can be divided into three categories:
- Fruits & Vegetables
- Insects & Arthropods
- Gut-loaded Insects & Insect Larvae
Eastern Bearded Dragons, due to their omnivorous nature, consume a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as insects and arthropods. They can also eat gut-loaded insects and insect larvae.
On the other hand, due to their herbivorous nature, Central Bearded Dragons will mainly consume fruits and vegetables. They will not eat any insects, arthropods, gut-loaded insects, and insect larvae.
In conclusion, Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons have drastically different diets. Eastern Bearded Dragons are omnivorous, while Central Bearded Dragons are strictly herbivorous.
While Eastern Bearded Dragons eat a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as insects and arthropods, gut-loaded insects, and insect larvae, Central Bearded Dragons only eat fruits and vegetables.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Physical Appearance
In addition to the differences in habitat, Eastern bearded dragons and Central bearded dragons also have physical differences that set them apart. The most obvious is their size; Central bearded dragons are typically much larger than their Eastern counterparts.
The average size of an adult Eastern bearded dragon is between 13 – 16 inches, while the average size of an adult Central bearded dragon is between 16 – 20 inches.
The coloring of the two species also differs. Eastern bearded dragons are usually a reddish-brown color and can have some black and yellow markings, while Central bearded dragons are usually a tan or yellowish-brown color with some darker brown stripes.
The Eastern bearded dragon has a more triangular head shape, while the Central bearded dragon has a more rounded head shape.
The Eastern bearded dragon also has a more pronounced beard with larger spikes and a yellowish-orange color. The Central bearded dragon typically has a shorter beard with smaller spikes and a tan color.
Additionally, the Eastern bearded dragon has a longer tail than the Central bearded dragon; the Eastern bearded dragon’s tail is usually around twice the length of its body, while the Central bearded dragon’s tail is usually around the same length as its body.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Behavior
In addition to their physical differences, Eastern and Central bearded dragons also differ in their behavior. The Eastern bearded dragon is more active and less likely to be handled, while the Central bearded dragon is a calmer and more docile species.
The Eastern bearded dragon is a more active species. They are likely to roam and want to explore their environment. They may be skittish in nature and are not as willing to be handled as the Central bearded dragon. They can be shy and may not feel comfortable around people and may even run away if provoked.
The Central bearded dragon is a more docile species. They are more likely to relax and be comfortable around people. They are also more tolerant of handling and can even become accustomed to it.
They are more likely to stay in one spot and observe their environment. They can also get used to their handlers and can even learn to respond to their name.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Diet
Moving on from their behavior, another key difference between Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons is their diet. Eastern Bearded Dragons are primarily insectivores, meaning they consume insects, while Central Bearded Dragons are omnivores, consuming a mixture of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
In the wild, Eastern Bearded Dragons are known to consume crickets, grasshoppers, and other types of insects. They will also consume smaller lizards, such as geckos.
On the other hand, Central Bearded Dragons are known to consume a wide variety of items, including fruits, vegetables, and insects. They are also known to consume small lizards, such as geckos.
The diet of these two species can be quite different, as Central Bearded Dragons will consume a variety of fruits and vegetables, while Eastern Bearded Dragons will primarily consume insects.
This means that Eastern Bearded Dragons may require more work to feed, as they may require a specific type of insect or food item to consume. For instance, they may need certain types of crickets or grasshoppers to supplement their diet.
On the other hand, Central Bearded Dragons may be easier to feed, as they can consume a variety of fruits and vegetables as well as insects.
The diet of Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons can be quite different. Eastern Bearded Dragons are primarily insectivores, meaning they consume insects, while Central Bearded Dragons are omnivores, consuming a mixture of insects, fruits, and vegetables.
This may require more work on the part of the owner to ensure the Eastern Bearded Dragon is getting the right type of food, while Central Bearded Dragons may be easier to feed due to their omnivorous diet.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Enclosure
Now that we have explored the differences in diet between Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons, let’s move on to the differences in their enclosure requirements. As with diet, the enclosure requirements of each species are also quite different.
Eastern Bearded Dragons are smaller in size and so require smaller enclosures. A 20-gallon tank is suitable for a single juvenile dragon, while a 40-gallon tank is suitable for an adult. The enclosure should have plenty of branches and rocks to climb on, as well as a heat lamp and UVB light.
The enclosure should have a temperature gradient, ranging from 75-90 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and dropping about 10 degrees at night. The humidity level should be kept between 30-50%.
Central Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, require a larger enclosure than the Eastern Bearded Dragons. A 40-gallon tank is suitable for a single juvenile dragon, while a 75-gallon tank is suitable for an adult. Similarly to the Eastern Bearded Dragon, they require rocks, branches, a heat lamp, and UVB light.
However, Central Bearded Dragons prefer a higher humidity level, around 50-70%. The temperature should range from 75-100 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and drop about 10 degrees at night.
Clearly, Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons have different enclosure requirements, so it’s important to research the species and make sure the proper environment is provided.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Lighting
Now that we have discussed the enclosures for Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons, let’s move on to the lighting needs of these two species. When it comes to providing the necessary lighting for these two species, there are several important factors to consider.
The first factor to consider is the intensity of light. Eastern Bearded Dragons prefer a slightly brighter light than Central Bearded Dragons. This can be achieved by adding additional UVB bulbs or increasing the wattage of the bulbs.
Additionally, Eastern Bearded Dragons require slightly higher temperatures than Central Bearded Dragons, so it is important to provide the appropriate basking spot to ensure the correct temperatures.
The second factor to consider is the duration of light. Eastern Bearded Dragons require more light than Central Bearded Dragons, so it is important to provide 12-14 hours of daily light.
This can be achieved by using a timer to ensure the correct amount of light is provided. Additionally, it is important to provide some form of darkness for at least 8-10 hours each day to promote natural behavior and rest.
In conclusion, providing the correct lighting for Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons is an important factor to consider. Knowing the intensity and duration of light needed for each species will help ensure the health and well-being of your reptilian companion.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Handling
When it comes to handling, Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons have different preferences. Eastern Bearded Dragons are more timid and skittish, so they require gentle handling and can become stressed easily.
Therefore, it is important to handle them with care and patience. On the other hand, Central Bearded Dragons are more used to being handled and are more tolerant of people. As a result, they can be handled more often and for longer periods of time.
When handling either species, it is important to provide them with a secure and comfortable grip by supporting the middle of their body and their tail. In addition, one must be careful to avoid pinching the dragon’s skin or squeezing it too tightly. This can cause discomfort and can lead to stress or injury.
It is also important to note that both Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons can become defensive if they feel threatened. In these cases, it is best to put them back in their enclosure and avoid any further handling. With the right handling techniques, both species can be healthy and safe for the owner.
Eastern Bearded Dragon Vs Central: Lifespan
Moving on from handling, another key difference between Eastern and Central Bearded Dragons is their lifespan. Generally speaking, Eastern Bearded Dragons tend to have a slightly longer lifespan than Central Bearded Dragons.
On average, Eastern Bearded Dragons can live for up to 10 years, while Central Bearded Dragons have a lifespan of around 8 years.
The longer lifespan of Eastern Bearded Dragons is likely due to the fact that their natural habitat is slightly more temperate and humid than that of Central Bearded Dragons. This extra humidity helps to keep their skin hydrated and their overall health in better condition, thus giving them the edge when it comes to longevity.
In contrast, Central Bearded Dragons are often found in more arid and desert-like regions. As such, they need to adjust to more extreme temperatures and drier conditions in order to survive.
This can take its toll on their health and ultimately reduce their lifespan. Therefore, if you’re looking for a companion who will be around for a longer period of time, an Eastern Bearded Dragon may be a better option.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Eastern Bearded Dragons and Central Bearded Dragons can make great pet reptiles for reptile enthusiasts of all levels. Though there are some differences between them, they are both easy to care for and relatively low-maintenance animals.
Be sure to do your research before deciding which species is best for you and your family. With proper care, these reptiles can live up to 10 years, providing years of companionship and joy.
