The shingleback skink, also commonly called the shingleback lizard or bobtail lizard, is a short-tailed, slow-moving member of the blue-tongued skink family native to Australia. It is part of the blue-tongued skink family and is best known for its rough, armored-looking scales, short stump-like tail, and bright blue tongue. Shingleback skinks are found in arid and semi-arid regions, where they live among grasses, shrubs, rocks, and leaf litter for shelter.

These reptiles are well adapted for life in harsh environments. Their thick scales help protect them, while their short tail stores fat for energy reserves. When threatened, a shingleback skink may open its mouth wide, stick out its blue tongue, hiss, and flatten its body to appear larger and intimidate predators.

Did You Know?

Shingleback skinks are known for forming long-term pair bonds and may return to the same mate during breeding season year after year.