Details
Tiliqua rugosa
The shingleback skink is a stocky blue-tongued lizard of southern Australia. Pinecone-like scales, a blue tongue and a head-shaped tail define its look.
Map: Ecoregions 2017 © RESOLVE (CC BY 4.0) · Natural Earth (PD)
It is widespread through arid and semiarid southern and western Australia. Shrubland, eucalyptus woodland, dunes, grassland and open roadside edges are used.
Adults are about 35-45 cm long and 600-1000 g. Heavy armor-like scales cover the body, and the short fat tail stores energy and can confuse predators.
Active by day, it warms by basking in the morning. Long-term pair bonds are well known, with partners often reuniting in later breeding seasons.
It is omnivorous, eating flowers, leaves, fruit, snails, insects and carrion. Strong jaws allow it to crush snail shells.
Females give birth to a small number of large live young. There is little parental care, but newborns are robust and well developed.
The species is secure overall, though illegal collection for the pet trade is a concern. Unlike many skinks, it cannot shed its tail.
