Eastern Bluetongue

Description:

A large slow moving Australian lizard with a large head and (you guessed) a vivid blue tongue - which unfortunately wasn't on display for me today. They also have very small legs that seem inappropriate on its thick chunky body. The body has light and dark grey stripes which turn brown on the sides of the body. The body and head is about a foot long, but the tail is rather short and stubby.

Habitat:

I've read that the females cover only a small area,but the males cover a much larger area and have many mates across that area. They eat snails, spiders, and other bugs, and will be found wherever there is food and plenty of cover for them to hide. They tolerate humans, and will settle in your garden if there is food and shelter for them. If you have a dog that is fed outside, they may also come and steal the dog's food!

Notes:

Non-aggressive and will try and bluff their way out of trouble by hissing and exposing the bright blue tongue. If you continue to bother one in this state,it will bite you - and not let go! Painful but not poisonous.