Tiliqua multifasciata
The Centralian blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua multifasciata) is a robust lizard found in arid and semi-arid regions of Australia. It is characterized by its pale brown to grey coloration, marked by distinctive orange-brown bands and a black stripe around the eye. This terrestrial, diurnal species has a varied diet and gives birth to live young.
Key Facts
- ›Found in arid and semi-arid stony and red sandy spinifex vegetated areas.
- ›Possesses a robust build with a short body and slender tail.
- ›Coloration includes pale brown to grey with nine or more orange-brown bands and a black eye stripe.
- ›A terrestrial, diurnal species that moves relatively short distances daily.
- ›Diet consists of seeds, insects, livestock dung, and some vertebrate and invertebrate material.
- ›Viviparous, giving birth to 2 to 10 live young per litter.
Centralian Blue-Tongue, Centralian Blue-Tongued Skink
New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, Queensland
Arid, Semi-Arid, Stony Areas, Red Sandy Areas, Spinifex Vegetated Areas
- Robust Build
- Short Body
- Slender Tail
- Among the Largest 1% of Species In the Family Scincidae
- Forelimbs and Hindlimbs Have Five Digits
- Predominantly Pale Brown To Grey Coloration
- Nine Or More Orange-Brown Bands Along the Body and Tail
- Darker Bands Are Wider Than Paler Interspaces
- Bands Are Narrowest Along the Mid-Dorsal Region
- Distinguishing Black Stripe Surrounding the Eye and Extending To Just Above the Ear
- Upper-Hind Areas of Limbs Are Black
- Underside Is Pale Cream To White
Seeds, Insects, Livestock Dung, Vertebrate Material, Invertebrate Material, Bird Remains, Other Reptilian Remains
- Fairly Sedentary
- Terrestrial
- Ground-Dwelling
- Diurnal
- Short Displacements
- Average Daily Travel Distance Between 122 and 245 Metres
Ingestion of Cane Toads, Fire, Habitat Fragmentation
About Tiliqua multifasciata
Centralian Blue-Tongued Skink (Tiliqua multifasciata)
The Centralian blue-tongued skink, scientifically known as Tiliqua multifasciata, is a distinctive lizard species native to Australia. It is recognized for its robust build, short body, and slender tail, placing it among the larger species within the Scincidae family. Its coloration is a notable feature, typically presenting as pale brown to grey with prominent orange-brown bands that encircle the body and tail. A characteristic black stripe also surrounds the eye, adding to its unique appearance.
Habitat and Distribution
This species thrives in arid and semi-arid environments across Australia. Its geographical distribution encompasses the far north-west corner of New South Wales, extending into South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. The preferred habitats are varied, including stony grounds and red sandy areas interspersed with spinifex vegetation.
Behavior and Diet
The Centralian blue-tongued skink is a terrestrial and diurnal creature, meaning it is active during the day and primarily lives on the ground. Its movements are generally short, with daily displacements rarely exceeding 20 meters. The average distance covered in a day typically falls between 122 and 245 meters. Its diet is omnivorous, reflecting a varied intake that includes seeds, insects, livestock dung, and fragments of other vertebrates and invertebrates.
Reproduction and Conservation
Reproductively, Tiliqua multifasciata is viviparous, giving birth to between two and ten live young in a single litter. While the species faces threats such as the ingestion of toxic cane toads and habitat fragmentation due to human activities like fire, it is currently classified as a species of Least Concern by conservation bodies. This classification suggests its populations are stable enough to not warrant immediate threat-based action, though ongoing monitoring is important for its long-term survival.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the Centralian blue-tongued skink live?
The Centralian blue-tongued skink is found across large parts of Australia, including the far north-west corner of New South Wales, South Australia, Western Australia, the Northern Territory, and Queensland. Its preferred habitats are generally arid and semi-arid areas with spinifex vegetation.
What does the Centralian blue-tongued skink look like?
This species is robust with a short body and slender tail. Its coloration is predominantly pale brown to grey, featuring nine or more orange-brown bands that are wider than the interspaces. A notable black stripe encircles the eye and extends towards the ear.
What is the diet of the Centralian blue-tongued skink?
The diet of the Centralian blue-tongued skink is varied. Stomach content analyses show it consumes seeds, insects, livestock dung, and also some vertebrate and invertebrate material, including fragments of bone and feathers from other animals.
How does the Centralian blue-tongued skink reproduce?
Like other species in its genus, the Centralian blue-tongued skink is viviparous, meaning it gives birth to live young. A single litter typically consists of between two and 10 offspring.
What are the main threats to the Centralian blue-tongued skink?
A significant threat to this species is the ingestion of the toxic cane toad. Other anthropogenic pressures include habitat fragmentation and the impact of fires. Despite these threats, the species is currently listed as least concern.
Related Lizards
Ctenotus pantherinus
The leopard ctenotus (Ctenotus pantherinus) is a skink species found in the arid and semi-arid regions of central and western Australia. It is characterized by its brown or grey coloration with distinctive yellow/white spots outlined in black, and a tail nearly as long as its body. This fast-growing species is an insectivore, primarily feeding on termites and their larvae, and is oviparous, laying clutches of 4-7 eggs.
Uromastyx aegyptia
The Uromastyx aegyptia, also known as the Egyptian mastigure or Egyptian spiny-tailed lizard, is a large agamid lizard native to North Africa and the Middle East. It inhabits arid, rocky environments and is characterized by its spiny tail and robust build. Historically, its skin was used for leather, and its meat was a source of protein for local populations.
Chalarodon madagascariensis
Chalarodon madagascariensis is a terrestrial lizard species native to Madagascar, primarily found in coastal, semi-arid to arid regions with sandy soil. It is an insectivore that occasionally consumes plant matter. A key distinguishing feature is its keeled gular and ventral scales.