What is a Rankin’s dragon?
A Rankin’s dragon, also called a Lawson’s dragon (Pogona henrylawsoni), is a small bearded dragon relative from Australia. It is smaller than the central bearded dragon, so feeder size and portions are scaled down. For the larger species, see our juvenile bearded dragon care guide.
What a Rankin’s dragon eats in the wild
In the wild, Rankin’s dragons are omnivores. They are generally described as eating insects and other small invertebrates, along with plant material such as leaves, flowers and some fruit when available. Captive diets try to mimic that mix with live insects and fresh greens.
How often to feed by age
Exact schedules vary between care sheets, and individual animals differ. A common pattern is:
- Hatchlings and young juveniles: insects offered two to three times a day in small amounts, with fresh greens available daily. These dragons need more protein for growth.
- Subadults: insects offered once or twice a day, with greens every day.
- Adults: insects a few times a week, with fresh greens daily. Plants make up a larger share than in younger animals.
How much? A common rule is to offer what the dragon will eat in a short feeding window, around ten to fifteen minutes, then remove the rest. Watch body condition: a very round, chubby dragon may be overfed. If you are unsure, ask a reptile vet.
Best feeder insects
- Dubia roaches (where legal): often recommended because they are nutritious, quiet and cannot climb smooth surfaces.
- Crickets: widely used, though they can be noisy and may bite if left in the enclosure.
- Black soldier fly larvae and locusts: good staples or variety.
- Waxworms, mealworms and superworms: higher in fat, so use as occasional treats.
Variety helps with nutrition, and appetite often improves with a mix of feeders.
Vegetables and greens
Dark leafy greens are the core of the plant portion: collard greens, mustard greens, turnip greens and dandelion greens are commonly suggested. Chop them finely and offer fresh daily. Small amounts of vegetables such as squash or carrot can add variety. Young dragons often ignore salads at first, which is normal; keep offering them.
Feeder size and safety
Choose feeders no larger than the space between the dragon’s eyes, a rule of thumb many keepers use. Oversized insects can cause choking or impaction, and in small dragons may contribute to leg weakness. In a keeper forum thread about a three-month-old Rankin’s, experienced owners advised scaling back large crickets and removing uneaten ones, since crickets can nibble on a dragon. Do the same: remove leftover live insects before the dragon sleeps.
Supplements and gut-loading
- Gut-loading: feed insects nutritious vegetables for a day or so before offering them.
- Calcium: many keepers dust insects with calcium regularly. Whether to use calcium with D3 depends on your UVB setup.
- Multivitamin: occasional use is common.
Follow product instructions or your vet’s advice, because over-supplementing can cause harm. Proper UVB lighting is also essential for calcium use; see bearded dragons without UVB for what can go wrong.
Foods to avoid
- iceberg lettuce, which has low nutritional value
- avocado and rhubarb, which are widely regarded as toxic to reptiles
- wild-caught insects, which may carry pesticides or parasites
- fireflies, which are toxic to many reptiles
- very large or hard-shelled insects
Are Rankin’s dragons hard to care for?
They are generally considered manageable for keepers who research ahead. Needs include a suitable enclosure, basking heat, UVB, a varied diet and regular vet care. Diet is a frequent source of owner worry, but consistent routines help.
FAQ
How often should I feed a Rankin’s dragon?
Young dragons usually eat insects daily, adults less often. Adjust for body condition.
What vegetables do they like?
Dark leafy greens, offered fresh every day.