Blue-Tongued Lizard

(Tiliqua sincoides)

The Blue-tongued lizard is one reptile that can survive quite well in our own backyards. This slow moving skink is recognisable by its blue-violet tongue and banded pattern on its body. The length is about 45cm from the tip of its head to the tip of its tail. They are usually active by day and therefore regularly encountered by gardeners.

The Blue-tongued lizard eats snails mainly and slugs, which is a real asset in suburban yards. Please be aware that if you use any snail baits etc, you could poison these lizards. The fact that Blue-tongued lizards are quite thick bodied and slow moving has them regularly mistaken for death adders. Please note that death adders have a forked tongue and don't have four legs.

To encourage these delightful creatures into your yard, it is a good idea to have rocks, logs etc for them to hide in. This is especially important if you have a dog or a cat.