Western Blue-Tongued Lizard ( Tiliqua occipitalis )
The Western Blue-Tongued lizard is a large skink native to Australia. It is a pale brown skink with thick, sometimes splotchy, bands or strips across its back and tail. They have a distinctive dark mark just behind their eyes. The Western Blue-Tongued Lizard has smooth, flat scales and a triangular-shaped head. If threatened, this lizard will open its mouth to show its fleshy, blue tongue to scare predators. If this tactic fails, it will flatten its body and tail, making itself appear larger. They are most common in Western Australia.
Distribution & Habitat:
Western Blue-Tongued Lizards are mostly found in Western Australia, wth small population in limited areas of the Northern Territory, SOuth Australia, New South Wales, and Victoria. They tend to live in grassy and light woodland areas. They often claim abandoned rabbit holes as their shelters.
Diet:
The Western Blue-Tongued lizard eats insects, snails, spiders, plants, and berries. Its jaws are extremely powerful, allowing it to crack snail shells and beetles and eat them.
Breeding:
The Western Blue-Tongued Lizard gives birth to live young. An average clutch is comprised of 5 juveniles. They have yellow and brown bands on their bodies and tails. Juveniles leave their mother days after birth and become independent.
Life Span:
up to 30 years
Conservation Status:
Not Threatened
