Pads behind head

[BeardedDragonSteve]

What are the pads that are behind a bearded dragons head that are normally darkish. Do they have a purpose?

[Claudiusx]

Good question. I'm not sure if they have an actual purpose or not.

-Brandon

[HippieLizards]

I Don't know for sure either. My first guess would be that it's something the males can bite on during mating. That or it could be Something to help retain heat while basking? I don't know, this is a good question!

[AHBD]

They are called epaulets , [ some call them " shoulder pads ] I've heard that they may be a sort of fake appearance of having eyes so another animal would think they are looking at them and would be less likely to attack. I don't know if that's true or if they serve some other form of communication.

[BeardedDragonSteve]

They are called epaulets , [ some call them " shoulder pads ] I've heard that they may be a sort of fake appearance of having eyes so another animal would think they are looking at them and would be less likely to attack. I don't know if that's true or if they serve some other form of communication.

That seems likely.

[MrSpectrum]

They're so you can tell the officer dragons from the enlisted dragons.

[DorgEndo]

My husband calls them vestigial wings from when they used to fly. There is no science for this hypothesis, but it is a very fun idea.

[MrSpectrum]

My husband calls them vestigial wings from when they used to fly.

Now THAT's good! 👍👍

[Drache613]

Hello,

That is pretty funny! LOL
It is good also, that they are puffy, which indicates hydration status.

Tracie

[Gormagon]

Heck, I always thought they were a tough spot of scales to keep them from poking a hole in their neck with their spikes every time they turned their heads, LOL!!!

Well, guess I'm gonna have to rethink my whole concept of this, LOL!!!!

You guys are kill'n me

[BeardedDragonSteve]

Could they also help when they puff up their beard so they don't hurt themselves?