Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard (with blue tongue)

Description:

The eastern blue-tongue lizard (Tiliqua scincoides scincoides) is a subspecies of large skink which is common throughout eastern Australia, often found in bushland and suburban areas where conditions are suitable. The lizard is known as "blue-tongue" because its tongue can range from bright to dark blue, and it has a habit of displaying it prominently and hissing loudly when disturbed. Adults can grow to almost 60 cm in total length, of which about 36 cm is head and body. Diet includes insects, snails, fruits and flowers and small vertebrates, and will take advantage of unattended dog and cat food, or in this case, mince for the magpies. Another excellent reference - https://australianmuseum.net.au/learn/an...

Habitat:

Virtually all habitat types excluding arid regions and rainforests. Shelters under fallen timber, ground debris and in hollows... or in this case, a water drain. Suburban Sydney garden.

Notes:

Fresh mince was thrown out for the magpies, but they must have dropped some on the grate of this drain. I had no idea the lizard was there until I saw the mince popping up and down. I got quite a shock when the blue tongue was flicking through the grate. He likes strawberries too.