Northern Blue-Tongued Skink
Tiliqua Scincoides Intermedia
Scientific Name
Northern Blue-Tongued Skink: Tiliqua Scincoides Intermedia
Distribution and Habitat
Geographic Range
The blue-tongued skink can be found in New Guinea and Northern and Eastern Australia.
Natural Habitat
They are found in semi-desert to brush steppes. They are also occasionally found in agricultural areas.
Physical Characteristics
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The northern blue-tongued skink is a heavily built, flat 15 inch long lizard. They are sandy in color with an attractive dark crossbands or blotches along the body. The large, deep, and conical head contains the deep blue tongue that gives this skink its name. The limbs are well developed and relatively short. They are most active in the early morning and can often be found basking in the sun to warm themselves. Although the exact function of the tongue is not known it is likely used to frighten away predators.
Quick Facts
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The skink is considered to be ovoviviparous, which means the eggs are retained in the body and lack a true shell, but have a membrane-like sac instead.
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The northern blue-tongued skink is currently not threatened or endangered.
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Being viviparous, they give birth to live young so there are no eggs.
Conservation Status
Least Concern: The Northern Blue-Tongued Skink is common or abundant and is likely to survive in the wild.
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Diet
Herbivore
In the wild, they feed primarily on plant matter and some invertebrates. In human care they receive monitor diet, chopped bananas and lettuce, earthworms, insects, and crickets.
