Tiliqua scincoides

There are three subspecies:[2]

• Tiliqua scincoides scincoides – eastern blue-tongued skink (southern/eastern Australia)
• Tiliqua scincoides intermedia – northern blue-tongued skink (northern Australia)
• Tiliqua scincoides chimaera – Tanimbar blue-tongued skink (Maluku Province, Indonesia)

This is a large terrestrial lizard measuring up to 60 centimetres long and 1 kilogram in mass. It has a stout body and short legs.[1] It is variable in color but generally has a banded pattern. The tongue is blue-violet[3] to cobalt blue in color.[4]

This lizard is diurnal, active during the day. It is omnivorous.[1] It is ovoviviparous, the eggs hatching inside the female's body; she then gives birth to 5 to 25 live young per litter.[3] This species is known to live over 30 years. It is an adaptable animal, often finding habitat in urban and suburban areas, including residential areas of Sydney.[1] The lizard is considered beneficial in these areas, with its appetite for garden pests such as slugs and snails.[3]

When threatened it may hiss and reveal its blue tongue, startling potential predators.[3]

There are three color-morphs that are part of the Tiliqua scincoides. The Albino T. scincoides, the Wild-type T. scincoides, and the Melanistic T. scincoides.  In warm environments, the Wild-type T. scincoides and Melanistic T. scincoides have more reflective skin than the Albino T. scincoides, therefore these two lizards can warm their bodies at a faster rate.[5]