Blue Tongue Lizard Fact Sheet

Blue-tongued lizards are common in Australia.

There are six different species of blue-tongued lizards that reside in and around Australia, some of which can be kept as pets. Blue-tongue lizards have vibrantly colored tongues that help to confuse and ward off predators. These blue-tongued lizards are common in domestic gardens and public areas and tend not to be shy around people or other animals.

Types

The common blue-tongue lizard is found in southeast Australia. The northern blue-tongued skink is the same species, but can be found in tropical regions and savannas throughout Australia. The blotched blue-tongue is found in the highlands, and the shingleback, also known as the sleepy lizard or stumpy-tailed lizard, is found on the west side of the Great Dividing Range. The central blue-tongued skink and the western blue-tongued skink are endangered species. The pygmy blue-tongue skink is endangered and is confined to Burra.

Identification

Blue-tongue lizards are predominantly gray or brown with broad stripes and other identifying marks across their backs and tails. The average length for a blue tongue lizard is 12 inches, not including the tail length. The pygmy blue-tongue skink only grows to approximately 3.5 inches in adulthood. Eastern and northern blue-tongue lizards are gray with dark stripes on their backs. Blotched blue-tongues have dark brown skin with light-colored blotches on the back.

Tongues

Blue tongue lizards have bright pink mouths and blue tongues. The purpose of the blue tongue is for defense, because the vivid blue tongue against a bright pink background surprises and bewilders predators, chasing them away. Blue-tongue lizards will face threats head-on by opening their mouths and displaying their tongues until the predator moves on. These lizards have other defense mechanisms as well, including hissing and the ability to flatten out the body to appear much larger.

Diet

Blue tongue lizards primarily consume small animals and plant matter as their staple diet. Favorite foods include caterpillars, beetles, crickets and smaller lizards. Because these lizards are slow-moving, they choose slower-moving prey when hunting, and so they are a predator to snails and slugs. They are not picky eaters and will consume plant matter and even commercial dog kibble when the mood strikes.

Habitat

Blue-tongue lizards are found throughout most of Australia. Their preferred habitat is open country area with plenty of cover, because they are slow-moving lizards. They are found in tall grass, rocks, leaf litter, low shrubs and logs. They burrow or hide under rocks and logs at night for protection. During the day, they bask in the sun until they are warm enough, because they are incapable of producing body heat. They forage for food when it is warmer during the afternoon. Blue-tongue lizards are solitary creatures, except for mating season between September and November when males fight other males and pursue females for breeding.

References

• Outback Australia Travel Guide: The Australian Blue Tongue Lizard
• Australian Museum: Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard