Blue Tongue

**Mad Aussie** · 10-14-2011, 12:03 AM

On our ride this morning we saw this little guy ... a Blue Tongue Skink (often called blue tongue lizard) about 350mm (14 inches) long.

All species are found on mainland Australia with the exception of Tiliqua gigas which occurs in New Guinea and various islands of Indonesia. One subspecies of Tiliqua scincoides is also found on several small Indonesian islands between Australia and New Guinea. Tiliqua nigrolutea is the only species present in Tasmania. With the exception of the pygmy blue-tongue, they are relatively large lizards (up to 37 cm total length), light-bodied, short-limbed, broad with a distinct head and dull teeth.

As suggested by the name, a prominent characteristic of the genus is a large blue tongue that can be bared as a bluff-warning to potential enemies.

**Iguanasan** · 10-14-2011, 08:01 AM

I was waiting to see his blue tongue!

Nice shots of this feller. My favourite here is the second one.

**theantiquetiger** · 10-14-2011, 08:44 AM

Super set!!! I don't know how all you people "Down Under" don't just get eaten by all the weird stuff living down there.

**Mad Aussie** · 10-14-2011, 04:29 PM

Originally Posted by theantiquetiger

Super set!!! I don't know how all you people "Down Under" don't just get eaten by all the weird stuff living down there.

I don't know how you guys go to the park for a picnic and don't get eaten by wolfs, coyotes and bears!!

**edG** · 10-14-2011, 05:15 PM

very cool captures, love the colours in this little beastie

**Mad Aussie** · 10-14-2011, 06:00 PM

Originally Posted by edG

very cool captures, love the colours in this little beastie

Thanks Edg

**Hillbillygirl** · 10-15-2011, 08:24 AM

Another vote here for #2, but really like all of them, and the info attached.

Originally Posted by Mad Aussie

I don't know how you guys go to the park for a picnic and don't get eaten by wolfs, coyotes and bears!!

We just keep a pack full of lizards on us and throw them to them as we make an escape.

Actually, I am not near as afraid of the critters as I am of all the "sound" hunters in the bush this time of year. Never go out without your "hunter orange" on from now until Dec.

**Mad Aussie** · 10-15-2011, 06:11 PM

Originally Posted by Hillbillygirl

Another vote here for #2, but really like all of them, and the info attached.

We just keep a pack full of lizards on us and throw them to them as we make an escape.

Actually, I am not near as afraid of the critters as I am of all the "sound" hunters in the bush this time of year. Never go out without your "hunter orange" on from now until Dec.

Something we don't have to deal with here!