Tiliqua scincoides
eastern blue-tongued skink

Native to Australia, found also in New Guinea, and Tasmania. The blue-tongued skink originates from Australia, inhabits semi-desert, mixed woodlands, and scrubland habitats (Kaplan, 1996).

Habitat: The blue-tongued skink inhabits semi-desert, mixed woodland, and scrubland areas of Australia, New Guinea, and Tasmania.

The Eastern Blue-Tongued Skink is characterized by its long blue tongue which is used in defensive displays (Cogger and Zweifel, 1998). The skin is relatively smooth, covered by overlapping scales with a fish-like appearance. Coloration of the body is that of a grayish ventral side, and the head being a pale brown with the dorsal side (back) having alternating streaks or blotches of dark brown and cream. Juveniles, however, can possess a wider variety of coloration which helps them in becoming cryptic. This coloration will be lost as the juvenile reaches maturity. The general body plan is considered to be robust and cylindrical with relatively short legs. The massive tongue is supported by the hyoid skeleton, this is true for all members in the Order Squamata. The tip of the tongue is supported by one rod of the hyoid skeleton, the lingual process (Cogger and Zweifel, 1998). Movement of the Eastern-Blue Tongued Skink is a waddle motion, because of the short legs that the animal possesses (Obst, 1998).

Blue-Tongued Skinks show little aggression. They are very docile creatures that tame easily. They are shy and secretive and seldom stray far from their shelters, which consist of hollow logs and ground debris. They use claws to cling to logs and rocks. The most peculiar behavior is use of their bright blue tongue. When disturbed, it gapes its mouth open sticks out its blue tongue, puffs up its body and hisses loudly. This again is used as a defensive behavior. By puffing out its body this helps the animal look bigger than it really is, and the blue tongue is a warning in that this animal may be distasteful to some. Another behavior possessed by the Blue-Tongued Skink is the ability to automize or lose its tail during a confrontation. The skink has the ability to lose its tail in which it can regrow.

Some scientists believe that the Blue-Tongued Skink is a mimic to the poisonous Death Adder which does share some of the skink's range. This is because both animals share similar coloration and because of the short legs of the Blue-Tongued Skink may help it look more like a snake.

The Blue-Tongued Skink is omnivorous and will survive on a variety of foods. They feed on a variety of small creatures such as insects, other reptiles, as well as some plant material and fruits. Captive studies show that one of the best food sources is high quality dog food, which contains added vitamins and minerals, also they adapt well to vegetables such as collard greens, turnips, and dandelions. Blue-Tongued Skinks feed during the day and are termed diurnal (Houseoftropics 1999).

Status Unknown.

Skinks make good pets because of the fact that they are docile, easily tamable and relatively easy to take care of (Kaplan, 1996).

Australia prohibits commercial export of most wildlife (including lizards), and the pet trade stock would necessarily need to be captive-bred.