Pogona henrylawsoni
Encyclopedia
Pogona henrylawsoni is an agamid lizard that is commonly known as Lawson's dragon. It is similar to the larger inland bearded dragon (Pogona vitticeps), but this dragon is usually less than 10 inches in length. This species is also called Rankin's Dragon, Dumpy Dragon, Dwarf Bearded Dragon, or the Black Soil Bearded Dragon.
A formal description was not published for this dragon until 1985, despite being known to herpetologists. The name for this species was disputed, along with the other taxonomic treatments of Wells
and Wellington, but was published again by Harold Cogger
(2000) and others as a valid name.
The name is noted as invalid in some sources, and given as a synonym for Pogona brevis.
These dragons have a life span of 6–8 years, their natural environment is hot, dry and rocky, which must be mimicked in captivity. They are a social species and with supervision can be handled by children, but do not like to be turned upside down and will struggle when are. Most creatures in captivity are descendants of illegally imported dragons in the 1980s.
The specific epithet is a reference to the Australian author Henry Lawson
.
A formal description was not published for this dragon until 1985, despite being known to herpetologists. The name for this species was disputed, along with the other taxonomic treatments of Wells
Richard Wells
Richard Wells is the name of:*Richard Wells , British nurse, nursing adviser and health care administrator*Sir Richard Wells, 1st Baronet , Conservative Member of Parliament for Bedford...
and Wellington, but was published again by Harold Cogger
Harold Cogger
Harold George Cogger is an Australian herpetologist. He was curator of reptiles and amphibians at the Australian Museum from 1960-1975, and Deputy Director from 1976-1995...
(2000) and others as a valid name.
The name is noted as invalid in some sources, and given as a synonym for Pogona brevis.
These dragons have a life span of 6–8 years, their natural environment is hot, dry and rocky, which must be mimicked in captivity. They are a social species and with supervision can be handled by children, but do not like to be turned upside down and will struggle when are. Most creatures in captivity are descendants of illegally imported dragons in the 1980s.
The specific epithet is a reference to the Australian author Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson
Henry Lawson was an Australian writer and poet. Along with his contemporary Banjo Paterson, Lawson is among the best-known Australian poets and fiction writers of the colonial period and is often called Australia's "greatest writer"...
.