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
Photo By andrewpavlov , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
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.
General Info
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.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Blue-tongued skink Species
Eastern blue-tongued lizard 
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