# Blue-tongued Skink (*Tiliqua scincoides*)

> The blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides) is a stocky Australian lizard that flashes a cobalt tongue to startle predators. It is an omnivore of woodland, scrub, and suburban gardens in eastern and northern Australia, weighs about 0.5 kg, bears live young, and is listed Least Concern.

- **Category:** Reptile
- **Conservation status (IUCN):** Least Concern
- **Range:** Eastern and northern Australia; related species across Australia and New Guinea.
- **Canonical page:** https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/blue-tongued-skink/
- **Last reviewed:** 2026-07-16

## Scientific classification

- **Kingdom:** Animalia
- **Phylum:** Chordata
- **Class:** Reptilia
- **Order:** Squamata
- **Family:** Scincidae
- **Genus:** Tiliqua

## Facts at a glance

| Attribute | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Scientific name | Tiliqua scincoides |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| Habitat | Woodland, scrub, and suburban gardens |
| Lifespan | Around 20 years in the wild (varies by population and captivity). |
| Weight | About 0.5 kg typical adult mass (sex and region vary). |
| Top speed | Up to roughly 5 km/h when moving at speed. |
| Conservation status | Least Concern (IUCN) |

## Blue tongue bluff

When threatened, the skink puffs its body, hisses, and displays the vivid blue tongue — a sudden colour contrast that may deter predators. Smooth overlapping scales and short legs suit shuffling through leaf litter.

## Omnivore of the leaf litter

Diet mixes snails, beetles, caterpillars, flowers, fruits, and fungi. In suburban gardens they often eat pet food left outdoors and garden snails — sometimes welcomed as pest controllers.

## Eastern and northern Australia

Woodland, scrub, and suburban gardens across eastern and northern Australia; related Tiliqua species occur elsewhere in Australia and New Guinea.

## Garden ally, road risk

Least Concern, but cars, cats, and habitat clearing reduce local numbers. Live-bearing reproduction (neonates rather than eggs) means females invest heavily in few young.

## Frequently asked questions

### Why do blue-tongued skinks have blue tongues?

The sudden flash of blue against a pink mouth is thought to startle predators during threat displays.

### Do blue-tongued skinks lay eggs?

No — Tiliqua scincoides gives birth to live young.

### Are blue-tongued skinks venomous?

No. They may bite if handled roughly, but they are not venomous.

### What do blue-tongued skinks eat in gardens?

Snails, insects, soft plant matter, and sometimes leftover pet food — they are true omnivores.

### Where do blue-tongued skinks live?

Eastern and northern Australia in woodland, scrub, and suburban gardens.

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Source: Global Animal Guide (https://globalanimalguide.org/animals/blue-tongued-skink/). Licensed CC BY-NC 4.0 — free for non-commercial reuse with attribution.