Red/Gold Bearded Dragons

Red/Gold or red phased dragons are a geographical variation or color morph of Pogona vitticeps. They are similar to the standard form except that they are generally much more colorful as adults. Their color is quite variable throughout their development, as well as during the day, depending upon temperature, stress, mood, etc. Outdoors, the most common coloration in adults is an orange head with a tan or straw colored body. The head color varies from yellow, gold, orange and red. These colors are often not readily apparent in hatchlings. The colors develop with age, initially on the head, and later as a backdrop over the rest of the body. In our work with these animals, we have found that coloration becomes darker and richer with exposure to natural sunlight (i.e. animals that are yellowish indoors tend to become orange if raised outdoors for a month or more).