Skink

Blue-tongued Skink

Scientific name: Tiliqua gigas

 

The blue-tongued skink has a long, tubular body and a slender head. Their most defining feature is, of course, their blue tongue!

When a predator threatens the skink, it puffs up its body and makes a hissing noise. It does this in an attempt to intimidate the hunter.

There are 6 species of blue-tongued lizards in Australia. They vary in colour but the Tiliqua gigas is pale grey with dark brown stripes across its body. 

The blue-tongued skink may look exotic to us but in Australia they are commonly found in people’s back gardens. They are a helpful creature to have in the garden as they hunt and eat insect pests.

Blue-tongued skinks are often mistaken for being venomous but they are, in fact, fairly harmless. 

Least Concern (Inc. Bar)
  1. We live...

    In the Reptile House, opposite the Porcupine enclosure.

  1. Size Fact

    Blue-tongued skinks can grow up to 55cm from the snout to the tip of their tails.

  2. Food Fact

    Blue-tongued skinks are omnivores. They mostly eat insects and vegetation.

  3. Fun Fact

    Albino blue-tongued skinks have pink tongues!

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