Tiliqua nigrolutea

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Family

Scincidae (skinks)

Genus

Tiliqua

Species

nigrolutea

Common name/s

Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard, Southern Blue-tongued Lizard

Distinguishing Features

The Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard is dark brown to black above, with patches of orange, reddish brown and pale grey on its back. The head is lighter coloured than the body, often also with small blotches. As its name suggests, it has a bright blue tongue. Its tail is long and thick. The Blotched Blue-tongued lizard can grow to over 50cm, with adults generally averaging 30cm.

Similar Species

The Eastern Blue-tongued Lizard (Tiliqua scincoides ) is similar in size and shape, but its markings differ: Tiliqua nigrolutea has blotches instead of the bands or stripes that Tiliqua scincoids is characterised by. The two species generally do not co-occur in the ACT, with the Eastern Blue-tounge inhabiting warmer areas, while the Blotched Blue-tounged Lizard replaces it at higher elevations.

Distribution

The Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard is found in the colder parts of Australia: from south-eastern South Australia, across southern Victoria, through to the highlands of NSW. There are also populations found in Tasmania, and on the islands of Bass Straight. In the ACT, the Blotched Blue-Tongued Lizard is generally found in colder areas: in the mountains to the south and west of Canberra. A population also occurs in Canberra's southern suburbs.

Country of Origin

Australia

Survey Techniques

Pitfall trapping and hand searching

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - National

Not considered at risk

Conservation (Pet/Pest) Status - Regional

Blotched Blue-tongued Lizards are listed as exempt under the Nature Conservation Act 1980 and may be kept by hobbyists with no prior experience of keeping lizards (see Reptile Policy). They are common in the Brindabellas.

LSCCES Population

Unknown

Associated vegetation community

Generally inhabits tall forests, woodlands and tussock grasslands in higher altitude areas.

Limiting Resources

Suitable habitat areas, including appropriate shelter structures, are a requirement for the presence of Blotched Blue-tongued Lizards.

Breeding

Mating in the species occurs in Spring, with males fighting for mates during this time. The same mating pairs may come together over several years. Three to five live young (reportedly up to 12) are born late in summer.

Behaviour

The blotched Blue-tongued Lizard is diurnal, at night it shelters in logs or other debris.

Functional Group

Omnivore

Food Species

Snails, slugs, insects, fruits, flowers and fungi.

Predators

Birds including the Laughing Kookaburra (Dacelo novaeguineae), snakes including the Eastern Brown Snake (Pseudonaja textilis ) as well as cats and dogs.

Interesting Fact

Blue tongues are among the largest skinks in Australia.

The Blotched Blue-tongued Lizard has a powerful bite with which it may attack when threatened. Bites from Blotched Blue-tongues may get infected due to their diet of carrion.