Blue-Tongued Lizard

by Adrian Caneris
(first published in Beating 'round the Bush, Redland Shire Council)

The Blue-tongued lizard, Tiliqua scincoides, is one reptile which can and does survive well in our yards. This slow moving skink is recognisable by the fact that it's the one that didn't get away. This skink has a banded pattern on its body and it is about 45cm from the tip of its head to the tip of its tail. The blue-violet tongue is obvious when the mouth is open. They are usually active by day and therefore regularly encountered by gardeners. These encounters which often upset or even frighten the unsuspecting, need be nothing more than a warm fuzzy moment which makes gardening all the more pleasant.

The Blue-tongued lizard eats snails mainly and slugs and as such is a real asset in suburban yards. Please be aware that if you use any snail baits etc, you will poison these lizards. Blue-tongued lizards are quite thick bodied and moving slowly has another disadvantage in that they are regularly mistaken for death adders. Please note that death adders have a forked tongue and don't have four legs. I am also unaware of any death adders being found in suburban gardens in the Redland Shire.

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 so if you have a dog or cat.