Scientific Name: Tiliqua scincoides
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Infraorder: Scincomorpha
Family: Scincidae
Subfamily: Lygosominae
Genus: Tiliqua
They are called commonly blue-tongued lizards in Australia, where true lizards do not naturally occur. As suggested by these common names, its distinguishing characteristic is a blue tongue.
Habitat
Coastal forests, woodlands and heaths, montane forests, woodlands and grasslands of less arid portions of the interior of Australia; sometimes found in agricultural areas.
Physical Characteristics
The body of the blue-tongued skink can reach a length of more than 20 inches and weigh up to 2 pounds. They have a heavily built body set on relatively small legs with delicate toes and a thick, short tail. Their triangular head is broad and blunt, with scales that are usually smooth and contain small plates of bone. Their deep, berry blue tongue vividly offsets against the deep pink interior of their mouth.
Reproduction
They will breed at about 2 years old provided they have a good amount of fat stored in their tail.
Diet
They eat insects, snails, carrion, wildflowers, fruit, berries, meat, insects, and flowers.
Behavior
The males often become aggressive during mating and fights can break out if another skink enters its territory.
