Bearded Dragon (Ultra High Colour Translucent - Dark Orange x Red Stripe) Scientific Name: Pogona vitticepsCommon Name: Bearded Dragon Species Overview Size: Adults typically reach 18 to 22 inches (46 to 56 cm), with males slightly larger and broader-headed. Appearance: Ultra High Colour Translucent Bearded Dragons combine two visual traits. Ultra High Colour intensifies reds, oranges, and yellows beyond standard High Colour levels (polygenic trait). Translucent reduces the amount of opaque white on the body, producing a subtle 'see-through' or 'gummy' effect. Eyes may or may not be solid black.. The combination results in a vibrant dragon with bold coloration and a brighter, translucent overlay. Body structure and overall morphology remain standard. These particular animals are the result of crossing a Dark Orange and a Red Stripe bearded dragon. 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 Ultra High Colour or Translucent 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 Ultra High Colour (polygenic):Ultra High Colour intensifies red, orange, and yellow pigmentation. Expression varies depending on polygenic contributions. Translucent (recessive):Translucent reduces the amount of opaque white on the body, producing a subtle 'see-through' or 'gummy' effect. Eyes may or may not be solid black. This trait is visually expressed in this animal. Genetic Combination Summary:This Bearded Dragon expresses Ultra High Colour and Translucent, producing bold coloration with a pastel, translucent overlay, with a high likelihood of displaying Dark Orange, Red, and/or Stripe phenotypes. Each trait can be passed to offspring according to its inheritance pattern.
