Social and Thermoregulatory Behavior of the Bearded Dragon, Amphibolurus barbatus

Some 73 behavioral postures or positions are described for the Australian bearded dragon, Amphibolurus barbatus based on observations made in the field, in outdoor pens and in laboratory aquaria. Many of the postures occur in sequences, some of which are rigorous and reversible and largely related to stimulus intensity (defensive display) while others are more variable (courtship, fighting) and probably involve interaction between internal motivation or hormonal state and external stimuli. Most postures and actions are independent of temperature (within a 20-40? C range), while those of a thermoregulatory nature are largely temperature dependent. Bobs or pushups and two types of forelimb wave are part of the behavioral patterns. Fast forelimb waves occur with challenge bobs and a slow overhand wave of the forehand has submissive functions. Submissive waves