Male Bearded Dragon vs. Female Bearded Dragon — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Published on January 26, 2024
Male Bearded Dragons are generally larger, with bigger heads and beards, while females are smaller and less prominent in these features.
Difference Between Male Bearded Dragon and Female Bearded Dragon
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Male Bearded Dragon: Tends to be larger in size compared to females. Female Bearded Dragon: Generally smaller and more slender than males.
Male Bearded Dragon: Has a broader and more pronounced head. Female Bearded Dragon: The head shape is typically narrower and less pronounced.
Male Bearded Dragon: Exhibits a thicker, more prominent beard. Female Bearded Dragon: The beard is less pronounced and often less dark.
Male Bearded Dragon: Often more territorial and may show more aggressive behavior. Female Bearded Dragon: Usually more docile than males and less territorial.
Male Bearded Dragon: Possesses hemipenal bulges and femoral pores which are more prominent. Female Bearded Dragon: Lacks hemipenal bulges and has smaller femoral pores.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Generally larger
Smaller and more slender
Head Shape
Broader and more pronounced
Narrower and less pronounced
Beard
Thicker and more prominent
Less pronounced
Behavior
More territorial, can be aggressive
More docile and less territorial
Physical Features
Hemipenal bulges, prominent femoral pores
No hemipenal bulges, smaller femoral pores
Compare with Definitions
Male Bearded Dragon
Characterized by hemipenal bulges and larger femoral pores.
You can identify a male bearded dragon by its hemipenal bulges.
Female Bearded Dragon
Has a narrower head and less prominent beard.
Her female bearded dragon has a much less prominent beard.
Male Bearded Dragon
A larger variant of the bearded dragon species with prominent physical features.
The male bearded dragon in the exhibit was noticeably larger.
Female Bearded Dragon
Smaller and more slender than their male counterparts.
The female bearded dragon was smaller than the male.
Male Bearded Dragon
Known for a broader head and thicker beard.
His male bearded dragon has a strikingly large head.
Female Bearded Dragon
Can lay eggs, even without the presence of a male.
Their female bearded dragon laid eggs without mating.
Male Bearded Dragon
May display more dominant and aggressive behavior.
Their male bearded dragon tends to be more dominant over the others.
Female Bearded Dragon
Generally more docile and less territorial.
The female bearded dragon is usually calmer in nature.
Male Bearded Dragon
Exhibits territorial behavior, especially in mating season.
The male bearded dragon became territorial during the breeding season.
Female Bearded Dragon
Lacks hemipenal bulges and has smaller femoral pores.
Identifying a female bearded dragon involves checking for femoral pores.
Common Curiosities
Can female bearded dragons lay eggs without a male?
Yes, females can lay infertile eggs without mating.
Do male and female bearded dragons differ in size?
Yes, males are generally larger and more robust than females.
Do male bearded dragons have specific physical features for identification?
Yes, males have hemipenal bulges near the base of the tail and larger femoral pores.
How can I tell a male from a female bearded dragon?
Look at size, head shape, beard thickness, and presence of hemipenal bulges (males) or smaller femoral pores (females).
Is there a behavior difference between male and female bearded dragons?
Males tend to be more territorial and can display more dominant behavior.
Can both male and female bearded dragons be kept together?
It's possible, but caution is advised due to potential territorial or aggressive behaviors, especially among males.
Are female bearded dragons more aggressive?
No, females are usually more docile and less territorial than males.
Are female bearded dragons smaller in head size?
Yes, females generally have a narrower and less pronounced head compared to males.
How can you distinguish a female's femoral pores?
Females have femoral pores, but they are smaller and less noticeable than those of males.
Do male bearded dragons show any specific behaviors during mating season?
Yes, they can become more territorial and may display mating dances.
How does the size of the beard in bearded dragons relate to their gender?
Males typically have a more prominent beard than females.
Do male bearded dragons exhibit a more prominent beard?
Yes, males often have a thicker and darker beard.
Are there color differences between male and female bearded dragons?
Color differences are not a reliable indicator of gender in bearded dragons.
Is it easier to handle male or female bearded dragons?
This can vary with individual temperament, but females are generally considered to be more docile.
Can both male and female bearded dragons exhibit 'bearding' behavior?
Yes, both genders can puff out their beard, often as a sign of defense or aggression.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
