Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard

Blotched Blue-tongue Lizard Photographer - Peter Robertson Source - Wildlife Profiles Pty. Ltd

Tiliqua nigrolutea

This large skink is familiar to many people in south-eastern Australia, being occasionally seen in suburban backyards and is commonly kept as a pet. It is strictly a ground-dweller, seeking protection amongst leaf litter, grasses and under logs etc. Blue-tongues mate in early to mid spring, and give birth to multiple live young in mid to late summer. The males move about more during the mating season, and the females do additional basking while they are gravid (pregnant).

They regulate their body temperatures by means of their behaviour; basking in the sun, lying on warmed surfaces or hiding as required to obtain or avoid heat. The dark colour assists in absorbing heat. They feed on insects, snails, fruits, flowers, snails and carrion.