Blue Tongue Skink
Tiliqua scincoides (White, 1790)
Range: Australia, New Guinea
Habitat: Desert, Woodland, Scrub
Diet: Insects, Small Vertebrates, Fruit
Social Grouping: Solitary
Reproduction: Oviviparous, 10-15 (record of 20) young per
reproductive cycle, breeds once yearly, gestation approximately 100 days
Lifespan: 30
Years (Captive)
Conservation
Status: Not Evaluated
- The long, thin body is 30-60 centimeters long, covered with copper-colored, fish-like scales, and is supported on tiny legs (resulting in a waddle-like walk)
- Active by day, they are usually found close to shelter, such as a hollow log or rock crevice
- During the mating season (and usually only at this time), males will become aggressive towards females
- When threatened, the skink will stick out its blue tongue to startle and confuse predators; if attacked, it can regenerate its tail
- Due to their similar body shape (discounting the tiny legs) and similarities in coloration and patterning, some herpetologists believe that the species mimics the highly venomous death adder for protection
- A very popular best lizard due its docility and relative ease of care, the export of this species from Australia is banned
- Three subspecies recognized: the eastern (T. s. scincoides), the northern (T. s. intermedia), and the Tanimbar (T. s. chimaerea)
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