Bearded Dragon (Witblits)

Scientific Name: Pogona vitticeps
Common Name: Bearded Dragon (Witblits)

Species Overview

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

Appearance: Witblits Bearded Dragons carry the Witblits gene, a recessive pattern-removing gene. When homozygous, it drastically reduces pattern and pigmentation, producing an almost white or very pale appearance. Heterozygous animals carry the gene but appear visually normal. Body structure and overall morphology remain standard.

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 the Witblits gene 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

Witblits (recessive):
Witblits removes pattern and drastically reduces pigmentation when homozygous, producing an almost white or very pale appearance. Het animals carry one copy without visual expression.

Genetic Combination Summary:
This Bearded Dragon expresses Witblits, producing a pale or pattern-reduced appearance when homozygous. The gene can be passed to offspring according to its inheritance pattern.