Forming a sort of shield around the snout is a spiney jaw pouch which, when swollen, looks like a beard and makes any predator think twice before attacking. The ventral surface ranges from pale to dark gray, with white elongated spots edged with black. Adults can grow as large as ten inches in body length or two feet in total length, including the tail.
Males are larger than females.
These lizards are native to Central Australia. They prefer semi-arid to arid woodland habitats. Time is spent both on the ground and in trees. They may be found perched on bush branches and even on fence posts. Bearded dragons are omnivorous and consume many types of insects, small vertebrates, and vegetation including fruits and flowers.