black frill on my beardie

Question
When I went to feed my beardie, ~1 1/2 years old, this afternoon, his frill and chin were black and the back half of his tail a dark brown.  He was on the cool side of his tank.  He moved under the heat lamp and about 30 minutes later his coloring is looking much better and he's perky.  Do you know what might cause this?  The only change to his diet was yesterday morning my mom caught a small grasshopper on her sage bush and fed it to him, but that was over 24 hours ago.  I feed him crickets and lettuce daily.

Answer
Hi Lisa
A black beard in a male can be a sign of excitement and or showing off
Was there nay head bobing that went along with his beard darkening?

I have a male that will "Display" to me when I walk in the room where his tank is and he will darken his beard and head bob like crazy

As to feeding insects from the outdoors
I do not do it simply becuase I have no idea if the insect has come into contact with any pesticides
If he is eating normally now-then it sounds as if the groashopper was OK

Other reasons for darkening in beardies is that they are not warm enough or not feeling well but if he is back to his normal color then it doesn't sound like that would be the case

Is he shedding?
That would account for lighter and darker areas of skin

I would broaden his diet to onclude the darker greens whenever possible-Collard-Mustard-Turnip-Kale and even Escarole and Endive can be mixed in with bell peppers-sweet potatoes-squash-and some fruit on occassion for a treat

If you are in doubt of his health or he starts to have problems- by all means consult a vet
Better safe than sorry

Sandy aka LadyGecko