The Central or Inland Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) is a
type of agamid lizard found in the desert regions of Australia.
Of the several species of the Pogona genus, P. vitticeps is the
most commonly seen in pet stores. Bearded dragons are omnivores,
consuming a wide variety of foods. In captivity, dragons will
eat salads, crickets, mealworms (however mealworms should not be
given to young dragons due to potential impaction issues), and
as treats, superworms. Never collect your own insects, as they
may have eaten a pesticide somewhere else in the neighborhood.
NEVER allow any reptiles to eat fireflies. Just one firefly will
instantly kill most reptiles (including beardies) as they are
incredibly toxic. Also, they much be fed a healthy salad diet of
vegetable material such as collard greens, turnip greens, and
other dark leaf vegetables. Never feed a beardie spinach or ice-
berg lettuce, for they prevent the absorption of some of the
important nutrients (By creating oxalates). The animal should
also be given