Rankins dragons (Pogona henrylawsoni) are small- to medium-sized diurnal, terrestrial lizards that can be found in central Queensland, Australia. They are restricted to the area’s black soil plains habitats, with sparse, dry vegetation. This lizard is best known as a Rankins dragon, but is also documented as the blacksoil bearded dragon, dumpy dragon, Downs bearded dragon, Lawson’s dragon, pygmy bearded dragon, or dwarf bearded dragon.

Adult Rankins dragons bear a strong resemblance to juvenile central bearded dragons. They average 12” long, and some visual differences between them and bearded dragons include: a bulbous head, less of a “beard” under the chin, small spiky scales interspersed on the back, and short spikes at the base of the tail, which is relatively short. Coloring ranges from gray-brown to yellow-brown, with a pale underside. Adults may be patternless or they may have a series of pale oval blotches on either side of the spine. The tail typically has a ringed pattern.

Rankins dragons are less popular than central bearded dragons as pets, but they are still common pet lizards worldwide. They make a good alternative to bearded dragons for people who like the idea of a bearded dragon, but struggle with limited available space.