Reptile & Amphibian Forums

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The blue-tongued skink has adapted to survive in a wide range of habitats, from arid deserts to sub-humid tropical forests; and from semi-arid scrub-lands to montane forests. Blue-tongues are generally diurnal, but it is reported that some desert dwelling species can be crepuscular or even possibly nocturnal during the extreme heat of the Australian summer. They are terrestrial, often sheltering in animal dens or burrows, log hollows, and under discarded sheets of metal. All six species are viviparous. In some of the more remote rural parts of their range, Blue-tongues are still believed to be venomous, and it is believed that a bite can be fatal. It has been reported to me that because of this belief, many of the residents in these rural areas will intentionally run over the blue-tongues that are often seen crossing the roadways. In contrast, “Blueys” (a common slang-name given to them by many Aussies) are often found and welcomed in many suburban yards and gardens.