| Actual Image
Stumpy-tail (32)
sandpiper2
![Gold Star Critiquer/Gold Star Workshop Editor/Gold Note Writer [C: 1843 W: 109 N: 4257]](http://i1.treknature.com/misc/g-g-g.gif) (14121) | The last sample from my recent trip to the eastern deserts. This is a Stumpy-tail or Shingleback (Tiliqua rugosa), which belongs to the blue-tongue lizard family.
During summer these lizards can be locally common in the eastern semi-arid interior of the continent. The two common names above are derived from obvious morphological features; the very short, stumpy tail and the very large scales (see workshop which emphasises the scale size).
They are a large lizard growing to around 300mm and are usually very slow-moving, a big disadvantage when crossing roads. Their only defence against predators when caught out in the open is to open their wide pink mouth, extend their blue tongue and hiss. Their scales are very think, making biting through them a tough job.
Interestingly, they mate for life, though the happy couple don’t hibernate through the winter together and so they meet up again each spring. The female plays hard-to-get and its amusing watching the male plod after the female through the open woodlands. |
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