Are you looking for an exotic pet that is both interesting and unique? Look no further than the frilled lizard and the bearded dragon! Both of these animals are becoming increasingly popular as pets and are known for their distinct features. In this article, we will be exploring the differences between these two amazing animals.
The frilled lizard and the bearded dragon are both members of the reptile family. The frilled lizard is a distinctive stand-out, because of its large frill around its neck. This frill is usually brown or yellow in color and is used as a defense mechanism when the frilled lizard feels threatened.
The bearded dragon, on the other hand, is known for its spiny scales along its body and its large triangular head. Its scales can range in color from yellow, to brown, and red.
What Are the Similarities Between Frilled Lizard and Bearded Dragon?
The frilled lizard and bearded dragon have several similarities, such as their size, habitat and temperament. The two species are both considered medium-sized lizards, growing up to two feet in length.
Both lizards are found in the deserts and woodlands of Australia, and they have similar gentle temperaments, making them friendly pets for owners of all levels of experience.
Size
In addition to their similar temperaments, frilled lizards and bearded dragons have many similar physical traits, particularly when it comes to size. The two species can grow up to the same size, depending on the species and gender.
Below are the size specifications of each species:
- Frilled Lizard
- Adult males usually grow to 1.5 to 2 feet in length.
- Adult females usually grow to 1 to 1.5 feet in length.
- Bearded Dragon
- Adult males usually grow to 2 to 2.5 feet in length.
- Adult females usually grow to 1.5 to 2 feet in length.
Depending on the species and gender, frilled lizards and bearded dragons can reach similar lengths, with adult males of both species typically reaching the same sizes. Therefore, the size of the two species is one of the most similar characteristics they share.
Habitat
When considering the habitat of the frilled lizard and the bearded dragon, it is clear to see that there are similarities between the two. Both species prefer warm, dry climates, and both are native to Australia. However, there are also some notable differences in the habitat of these two species.
When it comes to their habitats, frilled lizards are found primarily in the tropical savannahs and grasslands of Northern Australia, while bearded dragons are found in a wider range of habitats including deserts, scrublands, and woodlands in Central and Eastern Australia.
Interestingly, both species also have a preference for rocky outcroppings, where they can bask in the sun and find shelter in the crevices.
- For the frilled lizard, this is especially true for males, who often seek out rocky outcroppings to establish their territories and to defend them from competitors.
- In particular, frilled lizards are known to like basking on granite rocks in sunny, open areas.
- They also seek out dry, rocky areas to dig burrows for shelter and to lay their eggs.
- Bearded dragons, on the other hand, prefer areas with more vegetation, such as woodlands and scrublands, where they can perch on branches and find food and shelter.
- Bearded dragons also enjoy basking in the sun on flat rocks, which help to regulate their temperatures.
- Both species also seek out areas near bodies of water, such as rivers, streams, and ponds, where they can find food and water.
Overall, there are several similarities between the habitats of frilled lizards and bearded dragons, but there are also some distinct differences.
They both prefer warm, dry climates, but bearded dragons are found in a wider variety of habitats and are more likely to be found in areas with more vegetation. Frilled lizards, on the other hand, prefer open, rocky areas with plenty of sunlight.
Temperament
Similar in size and living in comparable habitats, the frilled lizard and bearded dragon also have similar temperaments. When it comes to interaction with humans, both reptiles prefer to remain undisturbed, but they each have somewhat different approaches to dealing with perceived threats.
Here’s a closer look at how these two creatures react to people and the environment:
- The Frilled Lizard is known for its defensive behavior. When it feels threatened, it will open its frill and hiss loudly. This is a warning signal to stay away. When it perceives the danger has passed, the lizard will close its frill, as if nothing ever happened.
- The Bearded Dragon is typically very docile and will often seek out human interaction. When it feels threatened, it will puff up its beard and become more alert. If the perceived threat does not pass, the dragon may become defensive and may bite as a last resort.
- In general, both reptiles are calm and relaxed when not threatened. They will often explore their environment and bask in the sun when given the opportunity.
With proper care and handling, both the frilled lizard and bearded dragon can make wonderful pets. The key is understanding their temperament and giving them the space they need when they feel threatened.
What Are the Differences Between Frilled Lizard and Bearded Dragon?
When discussing the differences between the frilled lizard and the bearded dragon, it is important to consider their diet, habitat, and coloration. Frilled lizards consume mostly insects, while bearded dragons feed on a variety of prey, including plants and insects.
They both inhabit arid climates, but frilled lizards inhabit trees, while bearded dragons tend to stay on the ground. Lastly, their coloration varies, with frilled lizards having more vibrant colors and patterns, while bearded dragons typically have duller colors.
Diet
While frilled lizards and bearded dragons share many similarities, they also have significant differences, particularly when it comes to their diet. While both species are omnivorous, there are differences in the types of food they consume.
- The frilled lizard’s diet consists of:
- Insects, such as crickets and mealworms
- Small vertebrates, such as mice and lizards
- Fruits and vegetables, such as berries and leafy greens
- The bearded dragon’s diet consists of:
- Insects, such as mealworms and crickets
- Fruits and vegetables, such as berries and leafy greens
- Occasional small amounts of lean proteins, such as boiled eggs
Overall, the frilled lizard has a more varied diet than the bearded dragon, which typically sticks to insects and plant matter. However, both species need to be fed a balanced diet in order to remain healthy. It is important to note that frilled lizards should be fed a diet that is higher in protein than the bearded dragon’s diet.
Habitat
Although frilled lizards and bearded dragons share some similarities, there are also some important differences between the two species. One of the most noticeable differences is their preferred habitats.
While the frilled lizard is typically found in tropical and subtropical rainforest habitats, the bearded dragon is typically found in arid and semi-arid habitats.
Bearded dragons are native to parts of Australia, so they are often found in hot deserts, woodlands, and scrublands. They also tend to live in drier, more open environments, such as exposed rocks and branches.
In comparison, frilled lizards are typically found in tropical and subtropical rainforest habitats, and they prefer to live in shaded areas, such as dense vegetation, tree branches, and hollow logs. They also tend to live in humid environments, which is why they are found in rainforests.
The two species also have different nesting and hibernation habits. Bearded dragons often have several nests, which they use for hibernation in the winter months. In comparison, frilled lizards only have one nest, and they do not hibernate in the winter.
They also have different behaviors when it comes to basking and thermoregulation. Bearded dragons typically bask in the sun for hours, while frilled lizards prefer to stay in the shade.
Overall, the habitats of frilled lizards and bearded dragons are vastly different. To summarize:
- Bearded dragons are native to parts of Australia and prefer arid and semi-arid habitats, such as hot deserts, woodlands, and scrublands.
- Frilled lizards are typically found in tropical and subtropical rainforest habitats, and they prefer to live in shaded areas, such as dense vegetation, tree branches, and hollow logs.
- Bearded dragons often have several nests, which they use for hibernation in the winter months, while frilled lizards only have one nest, and they do not hibernate in the winter.
- Bearded dragons typically bask in the sun for hours, while frilled lizards prefer to stay in the shade.
Coloration
The coloration between the frilled lizard and the bearded dragon is quite different. While the frilled lizard has shades of yellow, brown, and black, the bearded dragon is typically a light tan or gray color.
Additionally, the frilled lizard has a bright yellow to orange frill around its neck, which is not present in a bearded dragon.
A more detailed comparison of the coloration of the two animals can be found in the following list:
- Frilled Lizard
- The frilled lizard has shades of yellow, brown, and black.
- The frill around its neck is a bright yellow to orange.
- Bearded Dragon
- The bearded dragon is typically a light tan or gray color.
- The bearded dragon does not have a frill around its neck.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Physical Appearance
With their vastly different appearances, frilled lizards and bearded dragons may appear to be worlds apart. However, upon closer inspection, there are subtle similarities between the two species. It is important to note that the physical differences between the two species are often more striking than the similarities.
Both frilled lizards and bearded dragons have long, slender body and a muscular tail. Frilled lizards, however, are significantly larger than bearded dragons, and can grow up to three feet in length. They also have much more prominent scales, and their bodies are covered in a thick layer of spiny scales.
This gives them a more rugged and armored appearance. In contrast, bearded dragons have softer, smoother scales and their bodies are more streamlined and elongated.
The most obvious difference between these two species is their head structure. Bearded dragons have a wide, triangular head that tapers towards the nose, while frilled lizards have a much narrower, more pointed head.
Additionally, bearded dragons have a row of spikes along the back of the neck, while frilled lizards do not.
Finally, the most distinctive feature of frilled lizards is the large frill of skin around the head and neck which can be flared out when the lizard is feeling threatened. This frill is absent in bearded dragons.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Behavior
Although the physical appearance of the Frilled Lizard and the Bearded Dragon is quite different, their behavior is also distinct. While the Frilled Lizard is an ambush predator, the Bearded Dragon is known for its docile nature.
The Bearded Dragon is a popular choice for many pet owners due to its friendly demeanor and willingness to interact with humans.
Conversely, the Frilled Lizard is a shy and solitary species that is best kept in captivity as part of a breeding program, as they do not make good pets.
Frilled Lizards use their namesake frills to their advantage when threatened, spreading them out and hissing to scare away predators. They also have the ability to leap up to two meters in the air when startled.
In conclusion, the Frilled Lizard and the Bearded Dragon have distinct behaviors that are just as different from their physical appearance.
While the Bearded Dragon is docile and friendly, the Frilled Lizard is a shy and solitary species that will hiss and spread its frills when threatened. This makes them two distinct species in more ways than one.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Diet
Moving on from the behavioral differences between the Frilled Lizard and the Bearded Dragon, let’s look at their dietary habits. While both reptiles are omnivores, they each have different preferences when it comes to food.
The Frilled Lizard is an opportunistic feeder that will consume both plants and animals. They have a diverse diet that will include insects, spiders, small mammals, and lizards. Fruit, flowers, and fungi are also occasionally part of their diet.
The Bearded Dragon, on the other hand, is primarily an herbivore. Leafy greens, vegetables, flowers, and some insects are all components of their diet. Small amounts of animal protein are also occasionally consumed. Bearded Dragons should not be fed any wild insects, as they could contain parasites that could be deadly to the lizard.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Enclosure
The enclosure of a frilled lizard or a bearded dragon can be just as important as their diet. Proper habitat and environment can greatly contribute to a pet’s overall health and well-being. Creating the right environment for each species is essential to ensure they remain healthy and happy.
The frilled lizard and bearded dragon come from vastly different environments, so they require different enclosures to thrive. For the frilled lizard, it is best to keep them in a tall enclosure that mimics their natural environment.
A tall enclosure with plenty of branches and foliage for climbing is ideal. To recreate their natural environment, it is a good idea to include some kind of misting system or humidifier to keep the air moist and the substrate damp.
Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are typically found in drier climates. A low-level enclosure with adequate amounts of UVB lighting is needed for them to thrive. The enclosure should have enough space for the dragon to move around, climb and bask in the light.
The substrate should also be kept slightly moist and plenty of rocks and branches should be provided for them to climb on.
Both frilled lizards and bearded dragons are great pets that can bring joy to their owners. With the right enclosure and diet, they will surely remain happy and healthy for many years.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Lighting
Moving on from the enclosures required for each species, the lighting needs to be considered when caring for Frilled Lizards and Bearded Dragons.
Adequate lighting is essential to the health of reptiles, as it ensures the proper absorption of vitamin D3, which is important for many bodily functions – such as metabolizing calcium, and maintaining a strong immune system.
For the Frilled Lizard, UVB lighting is required. This can be provided through natural sunlight, or with full-spectrum bulbs. If the lizard is exposed to natural sunlight, it is important to ensure that the UVB rays are not blocked by glass or plastic, as this will render them useless.
Where bulbs are being used, it is best to replace them every 6 months, as their efficacy will diminish over time.
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, require UVA and UVB lighting. Natural sunlight is a great option here too, but if not available, a combination of UVA and UVB bulbs is the best option. The UVB bulb should be placed within 12 inches of the lizard, and should always be replaced every 6 months.
Additionally, to ensure the lizard receives enough UVA, a full-spectrum bulb should be used. As with the Frilled Lizard, it is important to make sure that the light is not blocked by any material.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Handling
When deciding between a frilled lizard and a bearded dragon, handling is an important factor to consider. When it comes to handling, both the frilled lizard and the bearded dragon have some similarities and some differences.
The frilled lizard and the bearded dragon both like to be handled, however, the frilled lizard is more sensitive to handling and can become easily stressed. It is best to handle the frilled lizard with care, gentleness, and patience.
It is also important to make sure that the frilled lizard’s frill is not accidentally touched, as this can scare the lizard and cause it to open its frill.
The bearded dragon, in comparison, is generally more docile and can better handle frequent handling, with less stress than the frilled lizard. The bearded dragon can become used to being handled, and can even become tame enough for a child to handle it. However, it is still important to handle the bearded dragon with care and patience.
When it comes to handling, both the frilled lizard and the bearded dragon can make good pets, but it is important to understand their individual needs and behaviors.
Frilled Lizard vs Bearded Dragon: Lifespan
Moving on from the handling of frilled lizards and bearded dragons, let’s discuss their lifespans. Frilled lizards can live up to 10-12 years in captivity, while bearded dragons typically have a shorter lifespan at 8-10 years in captivity.
In the wild, their lifespans are significantly shorter due to factors such as predation, lack of food, and harsh environmental conditions.
The primary cause of death for both species is disease, as reptiles are very susceptible to infections and parasites. It is therefore important to provide them with the best care possible to ensure a healthy and long life.
This includes providing them with the appropriate temperature and humidity, a healthy diet, and regular veterinary checkups. Additionally, it is important to ensure that the environment is clean and free of parasites, as this can greatly reduce their lifespan.
Overall, both frilled lizards and bearded dragons can live long and healthy lives if cared for properly. By providing them with the right environment, food, and veterinary care, owners can ensure that their pet reptile will remain healthy and live to its full potential.
Conclusion
Both the Frilled Lizard and Bearded Dragon can make excellent pet reptiles, but it’s important to be aware of the differences between the two.
From physical appearance to diet, the Frilled Lizard and the Bearded Dragon have unique characteristics that make them both rewarding pets in their own way.
It’s up to the owner to determine which species fits their lifestyle and preferences best. With the proper care, both of these reptiles can be exceptionally rewarding additions to any home.
