Why is my bearded dragon lighter than normal? Like most reptiles, your bearded dragon must shed its skin every so often. When it sheds, you'll notice that it also changes color. Before the shed occurs, it will be a lightened color, almost translucent-looking, as their shed begins lifting away.
Chromatophores "are pigment-containing and light-reflecting cells (1) that generate eye and skin colors in ectotherms, including bearded dragons. Furthermore, depending on the cause, a bearded dragon color change may target specific areas such as the head, neck, tail, stomach, chest regions, belly, or happen all over. Before diving into what the colors on your bearded dragon mean, it can be helpful to know why they change color in the first place.
Depending on the circumstances, bearded dragons change color to stabilize their body temperature, communicate (with you and other animals), and become camouflaged in their environment. Learn about the various reasons why bearded dragons change color, including mood, temperature, health, and more. Understand the meaning behind these color changes and what they can tell you about your pet's well.
Table of Contents Key Takeaways Bearded dragons change color primarily for temperature regulation, mood expression, and as health indicators, which are crucial for their well-being. Darker colors help absorb heat, while lighter colors reflect sunlight to cool down, maintaining their optimal body temperature. How bearded dragon colors indicate health, affected by diet, environment, and care.
Learn to interpret color changes for optimal care. Since bearded dragons are ectothermic-relying on external heat sources for body temperature regulation-they change color for better heat absorption. For example, when your pet lizard might be in a warm spot, such as under a heat lamp, it may darken its color.
The darker color absorbs more light, keeping the bearded dragon warm. Why is my bearded dragon lighter in color? Bearded dragons change color for a variety of reasons, including their mood, temperature, and health. When they are stressed, they may darken in color, while they may lighten in color when they are warm and basking.
Additionally, shedding can also cause changes in their coloration. Stress can cause a bearded dragon's color to fade or turn grey. Dehydration: Bearded dragons need to stay well.
Get to know bearded dragon lighting including temperature, setup, schedule, basking spot, and best light for bearded dragon in our guide for beginners!