Tiliqua – Blue-tongued skinks

These lizards are native primarily to Australia, with a species also found in parts of Indonesia. They are favored for their unique appearance and relatively docile nature, making them popular in the wild and as pets.

The most recognizable feature of blue-tongued skinks is their bright blue tongues, which starkly contrast with their often subdued, earthy body colors. This blue tongue isn’t just for show; it serves a critical defensive purpose. When threatened, a Tiliqua lizard will open its mouth wide to display its blue tongue, often hissing and puffing up its body to appear larger and more daunting to predators. This startling flash of color can confuse or deter attackers, giving the lizard a chance to escape.

Blue-tongued skinks are robust and built with strong, sturdy bodies, short limbs, and large heads. Their skin is covered with smooth scales that can vary in color, typically shades of brown, grey, and green, often patterned to help them blend into their natural surroundings. These patterns are not just for camouflage from predators, but also aid in heat regulation, as the lizards are ectothermic, relying on external heat sources to regulate their body temperature.

These lizards are ground-dwellers and not particularly agile climbers. They prefer a habitat that offers plenty of ground cover and access to sunlit areas where they can bask. Tiliqua species are often found in a variety of habitats, ranging from deserts to grasslands and even suburban gardens, showing great adaptability to different environments.

Diet-wise, blue-tongued skinks are omnivorous. They have a wide-ranging diet that includes fruits, flowers, insects, and small animals. Their strong jaws enable them to crush snail shells and beetle exoskeletons, making them important players in controlling the populations of various invertebrates. Some species, like the Shingleback, primarily consume vegetation, while others have a more varied diet.