Do you want a reptile as a pet, but can’t decide which one? If you’re stuck between a blue tongue skink and a bearded dragon, this blog post is for you. We’ll compare and contrast the two lizards, and help you decide which one is the right fit for you and your family.
Blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons are both popular pets. They are both lizards from the same family, but they are different species. Blue tongue skinks are native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. Bearded dragons are native to Australia.
Blue tongue skinks are named for the blue tongue that they use to intimidate predators. Bearded dragons are named for the spines on their throat that they can puff out to look bigger.
Blue tongue skinks can grow to be about two feet long. Bearded dragons can grow to be about three feet long.
Blue tongue skinks are mostly carnivorous, eating insects and other small animals. Bearded dragons are mostly herbivorous, eating plants and vegetables.
Blue tongue skinks are generally docile and easy to handle. Bearded dragons can be more aggressive, and are known to bite.
Table of Contents
History
The blue tongue skink is a relatively new arrival to the reptile trade, having only been introduced in the early 1990s. These lizards are native to Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They get their common name from the blue coloration on their tongues. Blue tongue skinks are popular pets due to their docile nature and relatively easy care requirements.
The bearded dragon is a species of lizard that is native to Australia. These lizards get their common name from the spines that run down their necks and backs, which resemble a beard. Bearded dragons are popular pets due to their docile nature and relatively easy care requirements.
Both blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons are members of the reptile family Agamidae. These lizards are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are also omnivorous, meaning they will eat both plants and animals. Bearded dragons are typically larger than blue tongue skinks, reaching lengths of up to 24 inches. Blue tongue skinks typically only grow to be about 18 inches long.
Characteristics
Blue tongue skinks are medium-sized lizards that can grow up to two feet in length. They have a distinct blue tongue that they use to warn off predators and potential threats. They are also known for their docile nature, making them popular pets. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are larger lizards that can grow up to three feet in length. They get their name from the spiny scales on their chin and throat, which they use to intimidate predators. Bearded dragons are also known for being more active and aggressive than blue tongue skinks.
In terms of appearance, blue tongue skinks are typically brown or gray in color, with some species having stripes running down their backs. Bearded dragons can be a variety of colors, but are most commonly found in shades of brown, red, and orange. When it comes to temperament, blue tongue skinks are generally docile and easy to handle, while bearded dragons can be more active and aggressive. Both lizards make great pets, but it is important to do your research to find the right lizard for you.
There are many differences between blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons, but one of the most notable is their habitat. Blue tongue skinks are found in the wild in Australia, Indonesia, and New Guinea. They prefer woodlands and forests, and are often found near water. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are found in the wild in Australia and Africa. They prefer arid climates and are often found in deserts and scrublands.
Blue tongue skinks are shy and reclusive, while bearded dragons are more social. Blue tongue skinks are also more active at night, while bearded dragons are more active during the day.
Blue tongue skinks need a humid environment to stay healthy, so they are often kept in terrariums with a water bowl and live plants. Bearded dragons are less sensitive to humidity and can be kept in a drier environment, such as a vivarium with a sand substrate.
Blue tongue skinks are omnivorous, while bearded dragons are mostly herbivorous. This means that blue tongue skinks will eat both plants and animals, while bearded dragons will mostly eat plants.
Blue tongue skinks can grow to be up to 24 inches long, while bearded dragons can grow to be up to 24 inches long.
There are two schools of thought when it comes to feeding blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons. Some say that you should feed them a diet that consists mainly of insects, while others believe that a diet of vegetables is best. So, which is the right diet for these reptiles?
Insects are an important part of the diet of both blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons. Blue tongue skinks in particular need to eat a lot of insects in order to get the right amount of protein. Bearded dragons can get by with eating fewer insects, but they still need to eat some in order to get the nutrients they need.
Vegetables are also an important part of the diet of both blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons. These reptiles need to eat a variety of vegetables in order to get the vitamins and minerals they need. Vegetables should make up a significant part of the diet of both blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons.
So, which diet is best for blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons? The answer is that both diets are important. Insects and vegetables should both be a part of the diet of these reptiles.
Behaviour
Blue tongue skinks are generally calm, docile lizards that make great pets. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are also terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are more active and require more space. They are also arboreal, meaning they spend more time in trees. They are also nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
Blue tongue skinks are generally calm, docile lizards that make great pets. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are also terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are more active and require more space. They are also arboreal, meaning they spend more time in trees. They are also nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
Blue tongue skinks are generally calm, docile lizards that make great pets. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are also terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are more active and require more space. They are also arboreal, meaning they spend more time in trees. They are also nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
Blue tongue skinks are generally calm, docile lizards that make great pets. They are diurnal, meaning they are active during the day. They are also terrestrial, meaning they spend most of their time on the ground rather than in trees. Bearded dragons, on the other hand, are more active and require more space. They are also arboreal, meaning they spend more time in trees. They are also nocturnal, meaning they are active at night.
Reproduction
Bearded dragons reproduce by laying eggs. Females will lay between 2 and 12 eggs at a time, which the male will then fertilize. Once the eggs are laid, the female will bury them in the ground and then leave them to incubate on their own. incubation takes between 50 and 60 days, after which the baby dragons will hatch.
Blue tongue skinks, on the other hand, reproduce by giving birth to live young. Females will carry their young for a period of 6 to 8 weeks before giving birth to anywhere from 3 to 25 babies at a time. Once born, the young are on their own and must fend for themselves.
So, while both species of lizard reproduce, they do so in very different ways. Bearded dragons lay eggs that are then fertilized by the male and left to incubate on their own. Blue tongue skinks, however, give birth to live young.
Lifespan
The lifespan of a blue tongue skink is typically between 10 and 20 years, while the lifespan of a bearded dragon is typically between 10 and 15 years. However, there are reports of blue tongue skinks living up to 30 years, and bearded dragons living up to 20 years.
While the lifespan of a blue tongue skink is generally longer than that of a bearded dragon, there are a number of factors that can affect the lifespan of either type of reptile. For example, captive reptiles typically have a shorter lifespan than those in the wild, due to the stress of captivity and the lack of proper care. In addition, reptiles that are fed a diet of live prey have a shorter lifespan than those that are fed a diet of dead prey, as the live prey can carry diseases that can be deadly to reptiles.
Finally, the lifespan of a reptile can be affected by its environment. Captive reptiles that are kept in a clean and humid environment with a temperature range that is appropriate for their species will typically live longer than those that are kept in an unclean and dry environment with a temperature that is too hot or too cold.
Blue Tongue vs Bearded Dragon
If you’re looking for a new reptilian pet, you may be wondering if a blue tongue skink or a bearded dragon is the right choice for you. Both of these lizards make great pets, but there are some important differences to consider before making your decision.
One of the most important things to consider is size. Blue tongue skinks can get up to two feet long, while bearded dragons only grow to about 18 inches. This means that blue tongue skinks will need a larger enclosure, and will also be more active than bearded dragons. If you’re looking for a lizard that you can hold and cuddle, a blue tongue skink is probably not the right choice.
Another thing to consider is diet. Bearded dragons are omnivores and will eat both insects and vegetables. Blue tongue skinks are mostly carnivorous, so they will need a diet that consists mostly of meat. If you’re not comfortable feeding your pet live insects, a bearded dragon may be a better choice.
Finally, you’ll need to decide if you’re looking for a lizard that is easy to care for, or one that is a little more challenging. Bearded dragons are generally considered to be easier to care for than blue tongue skinks. Blue tongue skinks are more delicate and require more specialized care, so they may not be the best choice for first-time lizard owners.
Both blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons make great pets, but it’s important to choose the right lizard for your individual needs and preferences. Consider size, diet, and care requirements before making your decision.
Conclusion
As you can see, there are several key differences between blue tongue skinks and bearded dragons. If you’re looking for a pet that is low-maintenance and can be left alone for long periods of time, then a blue tongue skink is probably a better choice. However, if you’re looking for a pet that is more interactive and you enjoy handling your reptiles, then a bearded dragon might be a better fit.
It’s important to do your research before choosing a pet, and to make sure that you’re prepared to care for them properly. Both of these reptiles can make great pets, but it’s important to choose the one that is right for you and your lifestyle.
