Western blue-tongued lizard
Western Blauzungenskink ( Tiliqua occipitalis )
The Western Blauzungenskink ( Tiliqua occipitalis ) is a species of the family of skinks ( Scincidae ).
Features
The head -body length of the Western Blauzungenskinks is up to 32 cm. He is yellow-brown to pale gray-brown with 4-6 broad dark bands on the fuselage, 3-4 dark transverse bands on the tail and a broad dark streak from the eye to the ear opening ( temporal stripe ).
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Western Blauzungenskinks includes W - and S- Western Australia, large parts of South Australia, the Northern Territory and S- NW- SW Victoria and New South Wales. The species inhabits dry, open, sandy areas with shrubs and heaths and mallee with spinifex grasses.
Way of life
Like all Blauzungenskinke is also the Western Blauzungenskink a diurnal loner who uses as hiding fallen tree trunks, dense vegetation and burrows. The Western Blauzungenskink actively seeking food; He eats mostly fruits (berries ), seeds, parts of plants, insect larvae, insects and small vertebrates rarely. He is ovoviviparous, that gives birth to live young. Its predators include lizards, including the giant goanna ( Varanus giganteus).
Endangering
The species is conducted in New South Wales as threatened ( vulnerable ). The Western Blauzungenskink is threatened by habitat destruction and invasive species such as house cats or red foxes.