Facts About Blue-tongued skink
Blue-tongued skinks, belonging to the genus Tiliqua, are notable for their impressive size among skinks. Often referred to as blue-tongued lizards or "blueys" in Australia, these reptiles are easily identified by their striking blue tongues, which they display as a warning signal.
These skinks have become popular pets, known for their relatively shy and slow-moving nature compared to other lizards. They are closely related to the genera Cyclodomorphus and Hemisphaeriodon and are primarily found across mainland Australia. However, Tiliqua gigas can be found in New Guinea and Indonesia. Additionally, a subspecies of Tiliqua scincoides inhabits some small Indonesian islands, and Tiliqua nigrolutea is native to Tasmania.
Blue-tongued skinks are generally large, with robust bodies, short limbs, and distinct heads. They are active during the day (diurnal) and have an omnivorous diet, consuming insects, snails, flowers, fruits, and berries. Notably, the pygmy blue-tongue deviates from this pattern, acting as an ambush predator that targets terrestrial arthropods.
These skinks are viviparous, giving birth to live young, with the number of offspring varying among different species.