Tiliqua occipitalis
Near Threatened (Victoria), Threatened (New South Wales)·viviparous
The western blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua occipitalis) is a large skink native to Australia, known for its distinctive blue tongue and brown, banded pattern. It inhabits grasslands, dunes, and shrublands, and is a diurnal hunter of insects, snails, and carrion, also foraging for plants. This species is notable for its slow-moving prey preference due to its less agile nature and powerful jaws capable of crushing shells.
Key Facts
- ›Grows to approximately 45 cm (18 in) in length.
- ›Features a brown, banded pattern on its body and tail with distinctive black markings behind the eyes.
- ›Possesses a blue tongue used as a threat display when cornered.
- ›Diurnal, feeding on insects, spiders, snails, berries, carrion, and plants.
- ›Found primarily in Western Australia, with populations in other Australian states.
- ›Gives birth to approximately 5 live young.
Western Blue-Tongued Skink
Australia, Western Australia, Northern Territory, South Australia, Victoria, New South Wales
Grasslands, Dunes, Shrublands, Sparse Woodlands
- Large Skink, Growing To Around 45 cm In Length.
- Features A Brown, Banded Pattern Across the Body and Tail.
- Underside of the Body Is Usually Pale.
- Possesses Distinctive Black Markings To the Rear of Each Eye.
- Body Is Wide and Large In Comparison To the Size of the Legs.
- Has A Blue Tongue, Contrasting With the Pink Interior of Its Mouth.
- Juveniles Have Bands of Yellow and Brown On Their Bodies and Tails.
Insects, Spiders, Snails, Berries, Carrion, Plants
- Diurnal, Active During the Day.
- Hunts For Prey and Forages For Plants.
- Not An Agile Lizard, Preying On Slow-Moving Creatures.
- Uses Powerful Jaws To Break Shells and Exoskeletons.
- Rests Under Leaf Litter Or Rocks At Night.
- May Use Abandoned Rabbit Burrows For Shelter.
- When Threatened, Opens Mouth and Sticks Out Blue Tongue In A Threat Display.
- If Threatened Display Fails, May Hiss and Flatten Body To Appear Larger.
- Young Are Precocious and Disperse After A Few Days.
Red Fox, Domestic Cat
Predation By Introduced Species, Habitat Clearance For Agriculture, Destruction of Rabbit Warrens
About Tiliqua occipitalis
Western Blue-Tongued Lizard (Tiliqua occipitalis)
The western blue-tongued lizard, scientifically classified as Tiliqua occipitalis, is a substantial skink species native to Australia. It is recognized by its distinctive blue tongue, which it displays as a defensive mechanism when threatened, often accompanied by hissing and body flattening to appear larger. This species is characterized by a broad body, relatively short legs, and a prominent banded pattern in shades of brown, often with black markings behind the eyes, and a pale underside.
Habitat and Distribution
This lizard is primarily found in Western Australia, with its range extending into the southern Northern Territory and across various regions of South Australia. It inhabits a variety of environments, including grasslands, sand dunes, shrublands, and sparse woodlands. During the night, it seeks refuge under leaf litter or rocks, and sometimes utilizes abandoned rabbit burrows for shelter.
Diet and Behavior
The western blue-tongued lizard is diurnal, meaning it is active during the day. Its diet is varied, consisting of insects, spiders, snails, berries, carrion, and other plant matter. Due to its comparatively slow movement, its prey typically consists of slow-moving invertebrates. It possesses powerful jaws that enable it to crush the shells of snails and the exoskeletons of beetles. When not foraging or hunting, it rests in sheltered locations.
Reproduction and Conservation
Reproduction in Tiliqua occipitalis is viviparous, with females giving birth to approximately five live young. The offspring are precocious and disperse within a few days of birth, displaying yellow and brown bands on their bodies and tails. The species faces several threats, including predation by introduced animals such as red foxes and domestic cats, as well as habitat loss due to agricultural expansion and the destruction of vital shelter sites like rabbit warrens. Consequently, it is listed as 'Near Threatened' in Victoria and 'Threatened' in New South Wales, highlighting the need for conservation efforts.
Source: Wikipedia ↗
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the scientific name for the western blue-tongued lizard?
The scientific name for the western blue-tongued lizard is Tiliqua occipitalis. It is also commonly referred to as the western blue-tongued skink.
What does the western blue-tongued lizard eat?
This lizard is an omnivore that hunts slow-moving prey such as insects, spiders, and snails. It also forages for plants, particularly berries, and consumes carrion. Its powerful jaws are adept at breaking through tough shells and exoskeletons.
Where is the western blue-tongued lizard found?
The western blue-tongued lizard is primarily found in Western Australia. Its range extends to the far south of the Northern Territory and it is divided into eastern and western populations in South Australia.
What are the main threats to the western blue-tongued lizard?
Major threats include predation by introduced species like red foxes and domestic cats. Habitat clearance for agriculture and the destruction of their preferred shelter, rabbit warrens, also pose significant risks.
How long does a western blue-tongued lizard live?
While specific data for the western blue-tongued lizard in the wild is not detailed, blue-tongued lizards are known to live for up to 30 years in captivity. They are considered an uncommon pet species.
What is the conservation status of the western blue-tongued lizard?
The conservation status varies by region. It is listed as 'Near Threatened' in Victoria and 'Threatened' in New South Wales, indicating populations are facing risks in these areas.
Related Lizards
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