If you’re looking for an exotic pet, you may want to consider the Painted Agama and the Bearded Dragon. Both species are popular and relatively easy to care for. This article will discuss the similarities and differences between the two species, as well as their unique care needs.
The Painted Agama (Agama agama) and the Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) are both captivating reptiles that make great pets. They have different personalities, colors, and behaviors that make them special. Learn more about which of these two species is right for you.
What Are the Similarities Between Painted Agama and Bearded Dragon?
Both the Painted Agama and Bearded Dragon are medium-sized lizards. The average lifespan of both reptiles is around five to eight years, and they both feed on a variety of insects and vegetables. In addition, they both require a habitat with both light and darkness for optimal health.
Size
Moving on to size, both the painted agama and the bearded dragon have a similar size. The painted agama grows to an average of 8 to 10 inches in length, while the bearded dragon grows to an average of 18 to 22 inches in length.
In comparison, the bearded dragon is larger in size. Despite the size difference, both species can be considered medium-sized lizards.
When it comes to size, they also have similar features. Both species have flattened bodies, and their tails are almost the same length as their bodies. The painted agama has a slender body, while the bearded dragon has a somewhat bulky body. Both species also have four short legs, a long neck, and a triangular head.
When it comes to size, both species have similar features, as listed below:
- Average Length:
- Painted Agama: 8 – 10 inches
- Bearded Dragon: 18 – 22 inches
- Body Structure:
- Painted Agama: Slender body
- Bearded Dragon: Bulky body
- Body Parts:
- Both species have four short legs, a long neck, and a triangular head.
Both the painted agama and the bearded dragon may appear different in size, but they have similar features that make them both a part of the same family.
Lifespan
Another similarity between the painted agama and the bearded dragon is their lifespan. The painted agama has an average lifespan of 5-7 years, while the bearded dragon has an average lifespan of 10-15 years.
The differences in lifespan are attributed to the different sizes of the animals. Generally, the larger an animal, the longer its lifespan.
The two species share similar needs for a healthy and long life. Both species require a proper diet and receive the correct amount of vitamins and minerals. This diet should include:
- Fruits and Vegetables
- Fruits: Apples, bananas, pears, etc.
- Vegetables: Carrots, celery, spinach, etc.
- Insects and Protein
- Insects: Crickets, mealworms, waxworms, etc.
- Protein: Cooked eggs, cooked lean meat, etc.
Both species are also sensitive to changes in temperature and require an environment with a temperature of 80-90 degrees Fahrenheit and a humidity level of 20-30%. To ensure a long and healthy life, it is important to provide the proper care and environment for both species.
Diet
Moving on to the similarities in diet, painted agamas and bearded dragons are both omnivores, meaning they eat both plants and animals. They consume a variety of bugs, fruits, and vegetables. In the wild, they mainly eat insects, but in captivity, they should be fed a balanced diet of insects and vegetables.
Their diet should include the following:
- Insects:
- Crickets
- Waxworms
- Vegetables:
- Carrots
- Collard greens
It is important to vary the diet of painted agamas and bearded dragons to provide them with a full spectrum of nutrients and to keep them from becoming bored with their food. Both reptiles should be given calcium supplements and a vitamin supplement once or twice a week.
What Are the Differences Between Painted Agama and Bearded Dragon?
The Painted Agama and the Bearded Dragon have distinct differences when it comes to size, color, and behavior. The Painted Agama is smaller in size than the Bearded Dragon, and its body is covered in bright colors, whereas the Bearded Dragon is a dull brown color.
Additionally, the Painted Agama is a skittish, active species, whereas the Bearded Dragon is a more docile, relaxed species.
Size
As we move to the differences between the painted agama and the bearded dragon, the first major difference lies in their size. The painted agama is smaller in size with adults measuring in at around 5-6 inches in length, whereas the bearded dragon is larger; adult bearded dragons measure 8-24 inches in length.
This difference in size also reflects a difference in lifespan; the painted agama typically lives for 6 years, while the bearded dragon can live for up to 10 years in captivity.
Furthermore, the difference in size impacts the habitats these two lizards prefer. The painted agama prefers a warm climate and is found in areas such as deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas, while the larger bearded dragon prefers cooler temperatures and is typically found in grasslands, woodlands, and scrublands.
The size difference between the painted agama and the bearded dragon can be seen in the following:
- Length
- Painted Agama: 5-6 inches
- Bearded Dragon: 8-24 inches
- Lifespan
- Painted Agama: 6 years
- Bearded Dragon: 10 years
- Habitat
- Painted Agama: Warm climates such as deserts, grasslands, and rocky areas
- Bearded Dragon: Cooler temperatures such as grasslands, woodlands, and scrublands
Color
While painted agamas and bearded dragons certainly share some similarities, they also have some distinct differences – particularly when it comes to their physical appearance. In particular, the biggest difference between these two lizard species is their coloration.
Painted agamas boast beautiful, bright colors that range from shades of yellow, red, and blue. This coloration is often used as a form of camouflage, allowing them to blend in with the rocky surfaces of their natural habitats.
By contrast, bearded dragons have a much more muted color palette, typically ranging from light brown to tan.
To further highlight the differences in coloration between the two species, let’s take a look at the specifics:
- Painted Agama Coloration:
- Their bodies are primarily yellow in color.
- They have bright red and blue accents on their scales.
- Bearded Dragon Coloration:
- Their bodies are primarily light brown or tan in color.
- They may have yellow or orange accents around their eyes and mouths.
Overall, the coloration of these two lizards is significantly different from one another, making it easy to tell them apart at first glance.
Behavior
Having discussed the similarities between Painted Agama and Bearded Dragon, let’s now take a look at how their behavior differs. While both lizards are active during the day, their demeanor and activities can vary greatly.
- Painted Agama
- Tend to be more aggressive, territorial, and less sociable.
- Often remain closer to the ground, rarely climbing trees or other structures.
- Bearded Dragon
- Tend to be more docile and sociable.
- Often perch on trees and other structures.
Generally, Painted Agamas are better suited for those who want to observe the lizard in its natural habitat, while Bearded Dragons are better suited for those who want a more interactive pet. Both species can make interesting and rewarding pets, provided they get the proper care.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Physical Appearance
Having discussed the differences between a Painted Agama and Bearded Dragon, let’s take a closer look at the physical appearance of each. To begin with, Painted Agamas are renowned for their vibrant colors. Their heads are typically pink, yellow, and blue, while their bodies are usually a blend of green, brown, and blue scales.
They have a long tail, which is usually longer than their body. On the other hand, Bearded Dragons are more subtle in their colors. Their bodies are typically brown, tan, or olive green, with yellowish-white highlights. They also have a long tail, which is usually the same length as their body.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Behavior
Diving deeper into the comparison between the two species, it is important to note that Painted Agamas and Bearded Dragons have distinct behavior patterns. While their physical features may be different, their behavior is even more so. Let’s explore this further.
First and foremost, Painted Agamas are a very active species, known for their curiosity and boldness. They are quick to explore new environments and are known to explore outside of their enclosures.
In the wild, they are often seen basking in the sun, as well as occasionally digging in the soil for food. In captivity, they may still be curious and explore their environment, but they may also become shy and timid.
On the other hand, Bearded Dragons are known for their gentle nature and docile behavior. They are often calm and rarely become aggressive, even when provoked. In the wild, they are often seen basking in the sun, and occasionally digging in the soil for food.
In captivity, they may also exhibit the same behavior, though they may become more wary of their environment and take longer to adjust to it.
Overall, the two species have different behavior patterns that make them unique and enjoyable to observe. While Painted Agamas are more active and bold, Bearded Dragons are known for their gentle and docile behavior.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Diet
The diet of a pet reptile is one of the most important aspects to consider when choosing between the Painted Agama and the Bearded Dragon. While both lizards are omnivorous, they feed on different foods which should be taken into account when making a decision.
The Bearded Dragon is a relatively easy species to feed, as they can consume both insects and vegetables. They require a balanced diet of proteins and vegetables to maintain healthy growth and development.
For proteins, they should be fed a variety of insects such as crickets, mealworms, and waxworms. As for vegetables, they can feed on leafy greens, sweet potatoes, squash, and other vegetables.
On the other hand, the Painted Agama is a bit more particular about its diet as it mainly eats insects. These lizards feed on a variety of live insects such as cockroaches, grasshoppers, crickets, and mealworms. It is also important to mention that they do not eat vegetables, so they will not benefit from a diet rich in vegetables.
When deciding between the Painted Agama and the Bearded Dragon, it is important to consider their dietary needs, as they are quite different. The Bearded Dragon is an omnivore that requires a balanced diet of proteins and vegetables. On the contrary, the Painted Agama is an insectivore that feeds mainly on insects.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Enclosure
Having discussed the diets of Painted Agamas and Bearded Dragons, let’s now turn our attention to their enclosures. Creating the right environment is a vital part of successfully keeping any reptile, and with these two species, there are some distinct differences to consider.
For Painted Agamas, they require a large enclosure with plenty of space to climb and bask, with plenty of hiding spots and foliage. The enclosure should be between 20 and 40 gallons in size, and it should have a basking spot of up to 95°F.
Painted Agamas also need to be kept in a humid environment, so the enclosure should have a misting system or water bowl, and require daily misting to keep the humidity levels up.
In contrast to the larger enclosure a Painted Agama needs, Bearded Dragons require a much smaller space. Their enclosure can be as small as 20 gallons, but it should never be larger than 40 gallons.
The basking spot should reach temperatures of up to 105°F, and the enclosure should be kept dry with no misting system or water bowl. Bearded Dragons also require a lot of UVB and UVA lighting to ensure their health and well-being.
In conclusion, when creating the right environment for either species, it is important to consider their needs as they differ greatly. Understanding the size, temperature, and humidity of the enclosure, as well as the lighting and hiding spots, are all crucial components in successfully keeping either a Painted Agama or Bearded Dragon.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Lighting
Moving on from talking about the important aspect of creating the enclosure for painted agamas and bearded dragons, let’s take a look at lighting. Lighting is another critical aspect of caring for both of these reptiles and is vital for their health.
UVB lighting is required for both painted agamas and bearded dragons, in order to ensure they are able to produce vitamin D3 and metabolize calcium.
Painted agamas require a UVI of 2-4, which is best provided by a fluorescent tube, while bearded dragons need a UVI of 5-8, which is best provided by a mercury vapor lamp. It is important to ensure that the lighting is tailored to the specific needs of each species.
Both of these reptiles also require a day/night cycle of 12 hours of light and 12 hours of darkness. This can be achieved by using a timer on the lights, or by simply manually turning them off and on. It is important to ensure that the lights are not left on for too long, as this can lead to stress, illness, and behavioral issues.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Handling
Having discussed the lighting needs for painted agamas and bearded dragons, it is also important to consider their handling needs. While both species require gentle handling, bearded dragons and painted agamas require different techniques.
Bearded dragons are more delicate and require slow movements and careful placement when handling, as quick movements can startle them. On the other hand, painted agamas can tolerate more frequent handling, as long as it is done with gentle movements.
Both species should be held close to their body, so they are secure and do not feel threatened. It is important to support their body with both hands, so they feel secure and do not become stressed.
When handling a bearded dragon, it is important to remain calm and quiet, so they can feel safe. Bearded dragons need to be handled gently, with slow movements and gentle touches. They should not be picked up by their tail, as their tail can easily detach.
Painted agamas can be more active than bearded dragons, so they require more support when handling. When picking up a painted agama, it is important to hold them close to your body and support them with both hands.
Bearded dragons and painted agamas may become skittish if picked up too quickly or moved around too much. It is important to handle them gently, so they do not become stressed or scared.
Painted Agama vs Bearded Dragon: Lifespan
When it comes to the lifespan of Painted Agama and Bearded Dragon, there are some key differences to consider. The Painted Agama, a species of African lizard, typically lives for around 5-7 years in the wild, and can sometimes reach up to 12 years in captivity.
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, have been known to live for up to 10-12 years in captivity, and can even reach 15-20 years with proper care.
Therefore, Bearded Dragons generally have a greater lifespan than Painted Agamas, although this is not to say that the latter cannot live a long and happy life with the right care and attention.
Both species require a variety of habitats, diets, and temperatures to remain healthy and happy, so it is important to consider these factors when considering the lifespan of either species.
It is also worth noting that the lifespan of Painted Agamas and Bearded Dragons varies from individual to individual. For instance, some may live longer than others due to genetics, environmental factors, or other unknown variables.
Therefore, it is important to do your research and be aware of the potential lifespan of each species when considering which one to buy.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Painted Agamas and Bearded Dragons have many similarities, such as they are both diurnal, they both have similar diets, and they both like warm temperatures. However, they also have many differences, such as their physical appearance, their behavior, and the types of enclosures they require.
Ultimately, it is up to the potential pet owner to decide which of these two reptiles would make the best pet for them. Both of these reptiles make great pets and can provide a lot of joy and companionship when cared for properly. No matter which one you choose, you are sure to have a wonderful pet!
