Are you considering getting a pet reptile, but don’t know which type to choose? Rankin’s dragons and Bearded dragons are two of the most popular types of pet lizards, and they have quite a few similarities.
However, there are also important differences between them. In this article, we’ll explore both of these creatures and their distinct traits and characteristics so you can make an informed decision when it comes to choosing your pet reptile.
The first thing to consider when selecting a pet lizard is size. Rankin’s dragons are typically smaller than Bearded dragons, reaching a maximum size of 8 inches in length. On the other hand, Bearded dragons usually reach a size of 12-24 inches.
Both species are known for being gentle and docile, but Rankin’s dragons are typically more skittish and shy around people. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are quite tolerant of handling and make excellent pets for novice reptile owners.
What Are the Similarities Between Rankin’s Dragons and Bearded Dragons?
Both Rankin’s dragons and bearded dragons have similar physical appearances; they are both medium-sized lizards with triangular heads, flattened bodies, and horns.
Additionally, they both have a lifespan of about 10 years and a natural habitat of the arid regions of the Australian Outback.
Physical Appearance
Continuing our exploration of the similarities between Rankin’s Dragons and Bearded Dragons, let’s take a closer look at their physical appearance.
Rankin’s Dragons, also known as Rankin’s Bearded Dragons, are one of the smaller species of bearded dragons. They have rounded bodies with short tail and a triangular head. They are typically a light tan color with dark stripes on their back, and they have a beard of spikes around their neck.
Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, are larger than Rankin’s Dragons and have a more angular body. They come in a variety of colors, ranging from yellow to brown to red, and they have a distinctive ridge of spikes along their back. They also have a beard of spikes around their neck.
Both Rankin’s Dragons and Bearded Dragons have similar physical appearances, and there are many similarities between the two species.
What Are the Differences Between Rankin’s Dragons and Bearded Dragons?
Rankin’s dragons and bearded dragons differ in terms of their diet, color, and size. Rankin’s dragons are omnivores, while bearded dragons are typically herbivores.
Additionally, Rankin’s dragons are usually a darker brown color, while bearded dragons have a variety of hues, ranging from yellow to red. Lastly, Rankin’s dragons tend to be larger in size than bearded dragons.
Diet
When it comes to diet, Rankin’s dragons and bearded dragons share a number of similarities. Both types of reptiles are omnivorous, meaning they consume both plant and animal matter. This includes insects, such as crickets and worms, as well as leafy greens, vegetables, and, in some cases, even fruits.
However, there is one key difference between their diets. Rankin’s dragons tend to eat more insects than their bearded dragon counterparts. While both will happily chow down on crickets, Rankin’s dragons will eagerly accept other types of insects, such as waxworms, silkworms, and mealworms.
This means that a Rankin’s dragon’s diet might require more variety than that of a bearded dragon. It is important for owners of both types of reptiles to provide a well-rounded diet. This will ensure their pet is getting all the nutrients it needs to stay healthy.
Physical Appearance
Physical appearance is an important factor when considering the size and color of Rankin’s and Bearded Dragons. Rankin’s Dragons are typically smaller than Bearded Dragons and come in a variety of colors. Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, are generally larger and only come in shades of brown.
Rankin’s Dragons Size
Moving on to physical appearance, the size of Rankin’s dragons is truly impressive. They can reach lengths of up to three feet, making them one of the larger lizards in the world. Their stout, muscular bodies are indicative of their strength and power. In contrast, the size of the average bearded dragon is much smaller, typically growing to a length of 12-24 inches.
Behavior
Territoriality is the behavior of an animal establishing and defending an area as its own. This can be seen in many animal species, from large predators to small rodents.
Social interaction, on the other hand, refers to the way animals interact with each other, typically in terms of communication.
Lastly, diet is a major factor in animal behavior; different species eat different foods, and their behavior changes depending on their dietary needs.
Territoriality
The change in behavior from physical appearance is drastic; the animal’s territoriality is much more pronounced. Eagerly patrolling the boundaries of their territory, the animal will stop at nothing to protect it from any potential intruders.
They mark the territory by scratching at the earth and rocks and by releasing a strong, musky scent from their body. This is done in order to intimidate any predators that may cross paths with them, as well as to ensure they have a safe place to eat, sleep, and raise their young.
Diet
An important element of providing proper care to dragons is maintaining a balanced diet.
Rankin’s dragons should be fed a combination of high-calcium vegetables, such as collard greens, and a variety of insects, such as mealworms.
Additionally, bearded dragons should be offered a variety of vegetables, such as carrots, and insects, such as crickets*. Insects should make up the majority of a dragon’s diet, as they provide essential nutrients like protein.
Rankin’s Dragons Diet
In comparison to other types of dragons, Rankin’s dragons have a unique diet. While they may eat small insects, they primarily feed on plant-based diets. Rankin’s dragons love to eat soft fruits and vegetables like bananas, apples, and carrots.
They also enjoy a variety of leafy greens, such as kale, spinach, and collard greens. It is important to provide them with a balanced diet and provide them with the necessary vitamins and minerals they need to remain healthy.
Owners should be aware that Rankin’s dragons do not require a high-protein diet. In fact, too much protein can be detrimental to their health. Additionally, they should not be fed live insects as they can cause harm to the dragon.
Lifespan
Lifespan can be affected by a variety of different factors, such as differences in lifespan among different populations, nutrition and its impact on lifespan, and environmental factors which can affect lifespan.
Furthermore, each of these factors can be further broken down into their own respective subtopics.
Lifespan Differences
After gaining a better understanding of how an individual’s diet affects their lifespan, it is important to consider other factors that may influence a person’s lifespan. One of the most significant factors is genetics, as heredity plays a major role in determining lifespan.
Genes can significantly influence a person’s life expectancy by influencing their health, their ability to recover from diseases, and their potential for developing certain illnesses. For example, some people may possess genes that make them more prone to cancer, thus decreasing their life expectancy.
Additionally, some genes may contribute to a longer lifespan, such as those that provide resistance to certain diseases. Therefore, it is useful to consider an individual’s genetic makeup when assessing their potential lifespan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Rankin’s dragons and Bearded dragons have similar care needs, but they have vastly different physical appearances, behaviors, diets, and life spans. Rankin’s dragons can live up to 20 years, while bearded dragons typically live 8-12 years.
Rankin’s dragons are highly active, and they enjoy more variety in their diets, while bearded dragons are more docile and they need to be fed a specific diet.
Therefore, it is important to research both species before making the decision to bring them into your home. Regardless of which species of dragon you choose, they both make excellent pets and will bring a lot of joy to their owners.
