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Eastern blue-tongued lizard
A species of Blue-tongued skink Scientific name : Tiliqua scincoides scincoides Genus : Blue-tongued skink
Eastern blue-tongued lizard, A species of Blue-tongued skink
Scientific name: Tiliqua scincoides scincoides
Genus: Blue-tongued skink
Content
Description General Info
![Eastern blue-tongued lizard (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides)](/wiki-image/1080/152347794315673605.jpeg)
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Description
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Eastern blue-tongued lizard is known for its viviparous reproductive strategy, a rarity among reptiles, giving birth to live young instead of laying eggs. It boasts an omnivorous diet, feeding on varied resources such as invertebrates, fruits, and flowers, thereby playing a significant role in nutrient cycling within its ecosystem.
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General Info
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Lifespan
15-25 years
Diet
Eastern blue-tongued lizard is primarily omnivorous, with a strong preference for plant-based nutrition. It consumes a diverse array of fruits, vegetables, and leaf material. However, it will incorporate small invertebrates into its diet for protein intake.
Appearance
Eastern blue-tongued lizard is a robust lizard with a broad, flat body and thick tail. It typically measures 45-50 cm in length. Its skin is composed of shiny, overlapping scales that present a dominant blue-grey to brown coloration. Age is not a distinguishing feature, but sexual dimorphism is seen, with females generally being larger than males. Its most striking feature is its bright blue tongue, which provides a sharp contrast to its overall coloration.
Behavior
Eastern blue-tongued lizard exhibits a solitary and territory-specific lifestyle, often retreating to crevices or among rocks. This species is diurnal, mainly active during the day, feeding predominantly on a variety of invertebrates and plant material. Known for its defensive behavior, it excretes a pungent fluid when threatened. Its ability to shed its tail aids in its survival strategy against predators.
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Scientific Classification
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Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Blue-tongued skink Species
Eastern blue-tongued lizard