Eastern blue-tongued lizard

Amazing fact

When an eastern blue-tongued lizard sheds its tail, a shorter tail grows back.

Australian Museum

Eastern blue-tongued lizard in its habitat (illustration)

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An illustration based on the real animal.

A little discovery to share.

When an eastern blue-tongued lizard sheds its tail, a shorter tail grows back.

SourceAustralian Museum — Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard

THE REAL WORLD

The real Eastern blue-tongued lizard

Scientific name: Tiliqua scincoides
Japanese name: ハスオビアオジタトカゲ
Group: Amphibians and reptiles

Class: Reptilia
Order: Squamata
Family: Scincidae
Genus: Tiliqua

Facts about the real animal.

A lizard of Australia. Its body is silvery grey, with broad dark brown or blackish bands across the back and tail.

Australian Museum — Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard

When it meets an enemy, it opens its mouth wide and sticks out its blue tongue, which stands out against its pink mouth, to scare the enemy off.

Australian Museum — Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard

It eats both plants and animals. Its big teeth and strong jaws let it crush snail shells and beetles.

Australian Museum — Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard

How the Eastern blue-tongued lizard lives

Early in the morning, they emerge from shelter to bask in sunny places. They look for food during the warmer parts of the day. At night, they shelter among fallen leaves or under objects such as rocks and logs. In cold weather, they stay inactive, buried deep in their shelters.

Australian Museum