Blue Tongue Lizard Information

The blue tongue lizard is best identified by its bright blue tongue. Though native to Australia and New Guinea, blue tongue lizards are kept as pets all over the world.

Facts

Blue tongue lizards, also known as blue tongue skinks, belong to the genus Tiliqua. There are a number of species and sub-species of blue tongue lizards.

Identification

Blue tongue lizards are typically described as having long bodies, short limbs and blunt, triangular-shaped heads. They have smooth overlapping scales, though coloring and markings differ from species to species.

Behavior

Outside of mating season, blue tongue skinks spend most of the year alone. They are characterized as slow moving, relatively docile reptiles. However, a blue tongue lizard under threat may react by displaying its tongue, hissing and biting.

Diet

Blue tongue skinks are omnivorous and feed on a wide variety of plants and insects.

Reproduction

Depending on the species, female blue tongue skinks give birth to litters ranging from one to 20 young at a time. Blue tongue lizards are born live and are independent at birth.

Captivity

Blue tongue skinks are well-known for being low-maintenance, easy-care pets. Captive blue tongue skinks can live up to 20 years.

References

• Blue Tongue Skink
• Blue Tongue Lizard
• "Lizard Care from A to Z: From Anoles to Zonosaurs;" R. D. Bartlett and Patricia Bartlett; 2008