Bearded dragon sex is normally chromosomal, but research has documented temperature-induced sex reversal in some individuals at very high incubation temperatures
Studies from Australian researchers found that genetically male embryos incubated at unusually high temperatures could develop as phenotypically female, an unusual case of environmental override on top of chromosomal sex determination.
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Unlike many popular pet reptiles, bearded dragons are fully day-active baskers native to the arid interior of Australia.
The dark, puffed-out throat that gives this species its name can signal several different things: feeling threatened, asserting dominance over another dragon, stress from handling, or simple excitement around feeding time.
The slow, circular wave of a front leg is a bearded dragon's way of signalling submission or acknowledgement — often seen when a smaller or younger dragon is near a larger one, or simply as a response to seeing another dragon (including a reflection).
A fast, sharp head bob is typically a dominance display, most often from males, sometimes directed at a reflection or another dragon.
Adult bearded dragons often slow down, eat less, and sleep more for weeks to a couple of months, typically in the cooler months, even in a climate-controlled indoor enclosure.
Darkening — especially on the beard and belly — helps absorb more heat during basking and can also signal stress or agitation.