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Tiliqua rugosa
Large tough scales looking like roofing shingles. The tail is short and stocky and looks somewhat like its head.
Semi desert. Bushland.
Also called the Stumpytail. This skink curls its body around in this defence posture, offering its tail as an alternative target for a predator, thereby protecting its head from attack.
Spotted on Sep 17, 2011
Submitted on Nov 17, 2011
12 Comments
that's an excellent link thanks
Shinglebacks are amazing creatures! On BBC's Life in Cold Blood documentary, there is a terrific piece done by David Attenborough on Shinglebacks where he talks about how the males and females partner up and stay together for years. It is on YouTube here: http://youtu.be/7UwfrAVdVws
Their scales are as tough as a pinecone. They present their tail which looks like an alternative head - that would confuse a predator. If all else fails they hiss with a wide mouth and blue tongue. But usually they just run away from predators.
Amazing! i wonder what it does to escape from predators. Hmm seems pretty interesting..
You just have to love the Stumpies - brings back childhood memories growing up in Adelaide!
Their shape made to confuse predator. Tail and Head look very similar...
http://www.dahmstierleben.de/foto/rheinb...
never seen a skink that was so large....amazing
Astonishing Spotting
Wow. Impressive animal.
Great spotting..
Interesting critter! His body looks like an unopened pine cone.
Wow, the skinks there looks completely different from the ones in the country I live in.