Bearded Dragon (Hypo Yellow Tiger)

Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Common Name: Bearded Dragon (Hypo Yellow Tiger)

---

Species Overview

Size: Adults typically reach 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm), with males slightly larger and broader-headed.

Appearance: Hypo Yellow Tiger Bearded Dragons combine two visual traits. Hypo reduces melanin, producing lighter pastel tones; Yellow enhances yellow/orange saturation (polygenic trait); Tiger increases pattern contrast and striping intensity (polygenic trait). The combination produces a pastel base with bright yellow highlights and bold striping. Body structure and overall morphology remain standard for the species.

Distribution: Native to the arid interior regions of central Australia.

Habitat: Wild Bearded Dragons inhabit dry scrublands, semi-desert plains, rocky outcrops, and open woodlands. In captivity, they thrive in spacious terrestrial enclosures with basking areas, climbing structures, and secure hides.

Behaviour: Bearded Dragons are diurnal, active, and alert. They display normal behaviours including basking, digging, climbing, arm-waving, and head-bobbing. Expression of Hypo, Yellow, or Tiger does not affect temperament.

---

Captive Care

Enclosure: Provide a terrestrial enclosure at least 48 inches × 24 inches × 24 inches (120 × 60 × 60 cm). Use a soil–sand substrate mixture that is dry on top but deep enough to retain some moisture in the lower layers, supporting natural digging behaviour. Include basking platforms, hides, branches, rocks, and open floor space.

Temperature & Humidity:

• Basking area: 110 to 115°F (43 to 46°C)

• Warm side: 88 to 95°F (31 to 35°C)

• Cool side: 75 to 82°F (24 to 28°C)

• Night temperatures may drop to 68 to 72°F (20 to 22°C)

• Humidity should remain 30–40%

Lighting: Provide strong full-spectrum lighting and high-output UVB (10–12%) for 12–14 hours daily. Proper UVB and heat gradients support calcium metabolism and natural behaviour.

Diet: Offer a varied omnivorous diet including crickets, roaches, silkworms, hornworms, black soldier fly larvae, leafy greens, vegetables, and occasional fruits. Juveniles require daily feeding; adults eat every 1–2 days. Use calcium and multivitamin supplements.

Behaviour in Captivity: These dragons are active, exploratory, and responsive. They bask, dig, climb, and display natural behaviours when provided with proper husbandry.

Special Considerations: Ensure proper UVB exposure, secure enclosure, substrate depth, and heat gradients. Overfeeding or insufficient lighting can lead to metabolic issues.

---

Taxonomy Note

The Bearded Dragon belongs to the genus Pogona, a group of Australian agamids adapted to arid environments. Pogona vitticeps is widely kept due to its hardy nature, manageable size, and engaging personality.

---

Genetics Note

Hypo (recessive):
Hypo reduces melanin, producing lighter pastel tones. A visual Hypo is expressed when homozygous.

Yellow (polygenic):
Yellow enhances yellow/orange saturation. Expression varies across individuals depending on polygenic contributions.

Tiger (polygenic):
Tiger increases pattern contrast and striping intensity. Expression varies depending on polygenic contributions.

Genetic Combination Summary:
This Bearded Dragon expresses Hypo, Yellow, and Tiger, producing a pastel base with bright yellow highlights and bold striping. Each trait can be passed to offspring according to its inheritance pattern.