Wildlife

Blue-tongue lizards: facts you may not know

February 9, 2022

Why are their  tongues blue?

The display is part of a last-ditch defence mechanism that these reptiles use to save themselves from being eaten, particularly from bird predators.

Live birth?

Blue-tongue lizard eggs develop and hatch inside the female’s body and she gives birth to tiny fully formed baby lizards, about 10 to 15 each time.

Five species of blue-tongue lizard?

Yep, that's correct

There are six species or subspecies of blue-tongue lizards, each with a particular distribution. This one – the shingleback – is found west of the Great Dividing Range.

For something extra cool...

This is a rare, genetically mutated blue-tongue lizard, sporting a pink tongue and an albino underbelly.

Learn more about the blue tongue lizard