Blue-tongued Skink
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Tiliqua
Species: scincoides
Range & Habitat
The Blue-tongued Skink is native to Australia, where they live in lots of different habitats. These include forests, rainforests, deserts and grasslands. They are also found all over the world as pets.
Reproduction & Growth
Breeding season occurs annually. A male may exhibit aggressive behavior and fight other males for a female. After mating, the female gives birth to 6-12 young, which are about 4 inches long. The young begin to feed on insects and start licking fruits approximately a week after birth. The Blue-Tongued Skink can grow to a length of 24 inches. They have a life span of about 20 years.
Diet - Omnivores
In the Wild: Flowers, fruits and berries, as well as small animals, like
insects, worms, snails, mice and smaller lizards
In the Zoo: Crickets, kale and various vegetables
General Information
Blue-tongued Skinks get their name from their bright blue tongues. If one is feeling threatened, it will puff up its body, stick out its blue tongue and hiss. They are usually shy animals and spend most of the day sunning themselves and eating. Being diurnal animals, they rest at night in leaf litter or fallen logs. In addition to its long blue tongue, Blue-Tongued Skinks also have small legs and a short tail, which is capable of breaking off and regrowing. Their bodies are covered in overlapping scales, which are smooth to the touch.
In the Zoo
We currently have one Blue-tongued Skink at our zoo.
Click here to learn about Animal Care.
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