SHINGLEBACK SKINK
Tiliqua rugosa
DESCRIPTION
The Shingleback Skink, also known as the bobtail lizard, is a robust lizard characterized by its distinctive, broad head and short, thick body. Its skin is covered in large, overlapping scales that give it a shingle-like appearance, which aids in camouflage among rocky environments. This species is known for its unique behavior of curling into a ball when threatened, displaying its tough scales as a defense mechanism.
FUN FACTS
- Shingleback Skinks are known for their long lifespan, often living for over 20 years in the wild
- They have a unique reproductive strategy, giving birth to live young rather than laying eggs, which is uncommon among reptiles
- | These skinks are often mistaken for other lizard species due to their stout bodies and short tails
- Their distinctive appearance and behavior make them a favorite among reptile enthusiasts and a common exhibit in zoos
QUICK INFO
Lifespan15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
Average Weight0.5-1 kg
Average Length20-30 cm
Diet TypeHerbivore
Social Structuresolitary
Activity PatternDiurnal
Breeding SeasonSpring (September-November)
- Habitat
- Shingleback Skinks inhabit a range of environments, including woodlands, scrublands, and grasslands, often favoring areas with plenty of ground cover and rocky outcrops. They are terrestrial and spend much of their time on the ground, where they can easily hide from predators.
- Biomes
- Temperate Forest, Grassland, Scrubland
- Native Range
- The Shingleback Skink is native to Australia, particularly found in the southern and eastern regions of the continent.
- Continent
- Australia
- Countries
- Australia
- Diet
- Shingleback Skinks are primarily herbivorous, feeding on a variety of plant materials, including leaves, flowers, and fruits. They may also consume insects and other small invertebrates occasionally.
- Diet Type
- Herbivore
- Favorite Food
- leaves, flowers, fruits
- Social Structure
- solitary
- Activity Pattern
- Diurnal
- Group Size
- 1
- Territorial
- 0
VU
0.5-1 kg
Weight
20-30 cm
Length
- Coloration
- The coloration of Shingleback Skinks varies, typically featuring a mix of brown, gray, and black with lighter markings.
- Sexual Dimorphism
- Males are generally larger and have more pronounced coloration than females.
- Lifespan
- 15-20 years in the wild, up to 30 in captivity
- Offspring per Birth
- 1-3
- Sexual Maturity
- 3-4 years
- Breeding Season
- Spring (September-November)
LC
Least Concern
IUCN Red List Status
- Population Status
- The population of Shingleback Skinks is currently stable, with no significant declines reported.
- Wild Population Estimate
- unknown
- Population Trend
- Stable
- Endangered
- 0
- Threats
- Main threats include habitat loss due to land development and road mortality. They are also vulnerable to predation by introduced species such as cats and foxes.
- Predators
- Cats, foxes, birds of prey
- Defense Mechanisms
- When threatened, Shingleback Skinks can curl into a ball, presenting their tough scales to potential predators.
- Found in Zoos
- Common