Male Bearded Dragons vs. Female Bearded Dragons: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on February 24, 2024
Male Bearded Dragons typically have larger, broader heads and thicker tails, while females are smaller with slender bodies and can lay eggs even without mating.
Key Differences
Male Bearded Dragons are generally larger and more robust than their female counterparts. They possess broader heads, larger beards, and more pronounced hemipenal bulges at the base of their tails. Female Bearded Dragons are usually smaller in size, with more slender bodies and less pronounced beards.
The behavior of male Bearded Dragons often includes more territorial and dominant displays, such as head bobbing and arm waving. Females, while they also display arm waving, generally show less aggressive territorial behavior and are more tolerant of other bearded dragons.
Male Bearded Dragons have thicker tails, which conceal their hemipenal bulges, a key distinguishing feature from females. Females have thinner tails and do not possess these bulges. This difference is often used to determine the sex of a bearded dragon.
During the breeding season, male Bearded Dragons become more colorful, especially around their beard, to attract females. Female Bearded Dragons, on the other hand, may show color changes when receptive to breeding or when laying eggs.
Female Bearded Dragons have the ability to lay clutches of eggs, and they can lay multiple clutches in a single breeding season. They can lay eggs without mating, but these eggs are infertile. Male Bearded Dragons do not have this capability.
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Comparison Chart
Size and Build
Larger, broader head, thicker tail
Smaller, more slender body
Behavior
More territorial, head bobbing, arm waving
Less aggressive, also shows arm waving
Tail Features
Thicker with hemipenal bulges
Thinner without bulges
Breeding Season Traits
Become more colorful, especially the beard
Color changes when receptive or laying eggs
Reproductive Capabilities
Do not lay eggs
Can lay eggs, including infertile without mating
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Male Bearded Dragons and Female Bearded Dragons Definitions
Male Bearded Dragons
Male Bearded Dragons have broader heads compared to females.
You can identify the male Bearded Dragon by its notably broad head.
Female Bearded Dragons
Female Bearded Dragons may change color when receptive to breeding.
The female Bearded Dragon is showing color changes, indicating she is ready to breed.
Male Bearded Dragons
Male Bearded Dragons have thicker tails due to hemipenal bulges.
Notice the thicker tail of the male Bearded Dragon, indicating his sex.
Female Bearded Dragons
Female Bearded Dragons have slimmer bodies and tails.
You can spot the female Bearded Dragon by her slender tail.
Male Bearded Dragons
Male Bearded Dragons exhibit territorial behavior, especially during mating season.
The male Bearded Dragon is head bobbing to assert its territory.
Female Bearded Dragons
Female Bearded Dragons can lay eggs, even without mating.
The female Bearded Dragon has laid a clutch of infertile eggs.
Male Bearded Dragons
Male Bearded Dragons are larger and more dominant reptiles in their species.
The male Bearded Dragon in the terrarium is showing off his large beard.
Female Bearded Dragons
Female Bearded Dragons are generally smaller and less aggressive than males.
The female Bearded Dragon is smaller and more docile than the male.
Male Bearded Dragons
Male Bearded Dragons often become more colorful during the breeding season.
The male Bearded Dragon's beard has become brighter during breeding season.
Female Bearded Dragons
Female Bearded Dragons show less territorial behavior.
The female Bearded Dragon is more tolerant of others in her space.
FAQs
Can female Bearded Dragons lay eggs without mating?
Yes, females can lay infertile eggs without mating.
What is a sign of a female Bearded Dragon ready to breed?
Color changes can indicate a female is receptive to breeding.
Are male Bearded Dragons more colorful?
Males often become more colorful during breeding season.
How do you distinguish a male from a female Bearded Dragon?
Males have broader heads, thicker tails, and hemipenal bulges.
How can you tell the sex of a young Bearded Dragon?
Sexing young bearded dragons is difficult; it's easier as they mature.
Are female Bearded Dragons less territorial?
Yes, females are generally less territorial than males.
Do male Bearded Dragons grow larger than females?
Yes, males are generally larger and more robust.
Do male Bearded Dragons show any nurturing behavior?
No, male Bearded Dragons do not exhibit nurturing behavior.
Can female Bearded Dragons be kept together?
Yes, but they should be monitored for aggression or stress.
Do female Bearded Dragons have beards?
Yes, but they are usually less pronounced than in males.
Is it easy to breed Bearded Dragons?
Breeding requires specific conditions and careful monitoring.
How often do female Bearded Dragons lay eggs?
They can lay multiple clutches in a breeding season.
Do both male and female Bearded Dragons wave their arms?
Yes, both sexes display arm waving, often as a submissive gesture.
Are male Bearded Dragons more aggressive than females?
Males tend to be more territorial and may show more aggressive behaviors.
Can male Bearded Dragons lay eggs?
No, only female Bearded Dragons lay eggs.
Are there any health differences between male and female Bearded Dragons?
Females may face health issues related to egg-laying, like egg-binding.
What is a hemipenal bulge in male Bearded Dragons?
It's a bulge at the base of the tail indicating male reproductive organs.
How long does it take for a Bearded Dragon to reach sexual maturity?
They typically reach sexual maturity around 1 to 2 years of age.
Can Bearded Dragons change color for reasons other than breeding?
Yes, color changes can also indicate stress, temperature changes, or illness.
Do male Bearded Dragons care for the eggs?
No, there is no parental care for the eggs in Bearded Dragons.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
