Bearded Dragons
Bearded dragons occupy a huge range in Australia. They will basically consume anything that fits in their wide mouths, insects, small mammals, vegetation, even other lizards. They are generalists and fit in many habitat types from arid to scrubland. In captivity they do well on a diet of crickets, mealworms and leafy greens (kale, collard greens, romaine lettuce). Adult animals should be gradually changed to a diet of mostly greens because too much protein may contribute to liver problems.
My first lizard pet was a Bearded Dragon (Pogona vitticeps) named Jonah. She was sold to me as a "he" because I wanted a pet animal and didn't want to have to worry about egg laying/binding etc. Bearded dragons are the ultimate lizard pet, despite what pet stores would like you to believe (most pet stores still push green iguanas, which make terrible pets for beginners). Jonah is still going strong after 6 years and has recovered quite well from her surgery in October 2001.
October 2001 - Jonah had to have emergency exploratory surgery to remove three masses from her abdomen. Click here for the full story. Warning: These are graphic images of actual surgery.
May 2002 - Jonah has completely recovered from her surgery and is doing well. She is enjoying the warm weather because it brings hibiscus blossoms, which she loves to eat.