Blue-tongued skinks comprise the Australasian genus Tiliqua, which contains some of the largest members of the skink family (Scincidae). There are about 800 different species of … They are commonly called blue-tongued lizards or simply blue-tongues or blueys in Australia.As suggested by these common names, a prominent characteristic of the genus is a large blue tongue that can be bared as a bluff-warning to potential enemies. “The lizards restrict the use of full-tongue displays to the final stages of a predation sequence when they are most at risk, and do so in concert with aggressive defensive behaviours that amplify the display,” says lead author Arnaud Badiane, also of Macquarie University. About 13 inches of their length is the head and body, while the rest of it is the tail. Displays autotomy, where blue-tongued skinks drop their tails when they feel threatened. What eats a blue-tongued skink? 9. This Lizard Has a Blue, Ultraviolet Tongue—Here’s Why When threatened, the northern bluetongue skink brandishes its UV-reflective, cobalt tongue. Frequently Asked Questions and Myths about Bluetongue Lizards There are six lizard species found in South Australia commonly known as bluetongues, so called because of their blue tongue… They can live for more than 20 years and reach over 50cm in length.. READ MORE They can grow up to two feet long. The lizards trunk and tail often work together in a lateral body and limb movement for a forward and jumping motion. The eastern blue tongue lizard is one of the most familiar reptiles in Australia. As relatively small lizards, blue-tongued skinks are vulnerable to many different predators. Lesson Summary. group of lizards living on the Australian continent stands out in a colorful way— they all have blue tongues! Blotched blue tongue skink is one of the few that has been identified from the Pleistocene fossil sites … Blue-tongued skinks have long lives. These lizards get their name from the broad, blue tongue which is extended during the threat display, and constantly flicked out while the lizard is hunting. Eastern blue-tongued skinks can grow up to an average length of 17 inches, with a maximum of 22 inches. Males usually have a relatively shorter body and broader head than females. Predators and Threats. Blue tongue lizards are one of the largest lizards found in many Australian backyards. 3 Minute Read They have rather short, stubby legs and tails, which is why they aren’t very good climbers. The most unusual thing about them is their blue tongue. ... Its tail will grow back over time. 10. The legs are small and can often be overlooked, a situation which sometimes means the harmless bluetongue, with its large triangular head, is mistaken for a dangerous snake and inadvertently killed. Basically, blue-tongue skinks can do use this as a defensive mechanism (along with other lizard species). Skinks are one example. How Big Do Blue Tongue Skinks Grow? While their exact lifespan will depend on their species, it's usually a good 30 – 50 years. These lizards are called blue-tongued skinks. They can't walk upright, but they can release their tail at will. When frightened, the blue-tongued skink opens its mouth and sticks out its tongue as a warning. Why Do They Drop Their Tails? A blue-tongued skink’s tail can easily fall off and can grow back within a year’s time. Northern Blue tongue skink (Tiliqua scincoides intermedia).Skinks are a type of lizard that usually have short necks and legs, and long bodies and tails. With muscular wiry legs, they are great jumpers and they use their long tails to orient their direction. Large specimens may reach 60cm in total length. Blue-tongues have a heavy body, short legs and a short fat tail. Blue-tongued skinks are smooth-scaled reptiles with large heads, long bodies, and very short legs. Blue Tongue lizard. Blotched Blue-tongues in Tasmania grow to a head and body length of about 30 cm, the tail is about 12-15 cm long.