Common Bluetongue Skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

Common Bluetongue Skink Tiliqua scincoides
Name	Common Bluetongue Skink
Name Lat.	Tiliqua scincoides
Family	Skinks
Family lat.	Scincidae
Order	Scaled Reptiles
Order lat.	Squamata
Origin	Australia
Habitat	Shrubland
Diet	Insects, small mammals, veggies
Humidity	50-70 %
Behavior	Peaceful
Keeping	Individual, pair
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Ovoviviparous
Housing	Dry terrarium
Life Span	15-20 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	45 cm
Temperature	28-30 °C
Temperature Local	40 °C
Housing Size	150 x 100 x 80 cm
US Units
Size	18"
Temperature	82-86 °F
Temperature Local	104 °F
Housing Size	60" x 40" x 30"

Distribution and habitat

The range of diurnal blue-tongued skinks is the coastal area of northwestern Australia and the coastal hinterland of South Australia. They live in the dry grass savannas, forests and sand dunes. As cultivators, they are also found near settlements and in grasslands.

Maintenance

Minimum dimensions for the terrarium, according to the size and number of animals

1-2 animals

6KRL x 4KRL x 3KRL (L x W x H)

Head-torso length (KRL) is measured on the largest animal. For each additional animal, increase the footprint by 15%. A terrarium of e.g. 150 x 100 x 80 cm is recommended, which should be placed in a quiet and vibration-free place.

They need a terrarium with flat climbing branches, roots, stone structures (hiding places, visual protection) and structured back and side walls (e.g. cork lining) as well as a shallow water bowl. Coarse sand or bird grit is suitable as substrate, covered with some dry leaves and debris, as well as a robust planting for decoration (succulents, ornamental grasses, cacti, etc.). Once a day, preferably in the evening, the inside of the terrarium should be finely sprayed with water (humidity), but a rain or fog system is better.

Temp. day: 28-30 °C

Temp. night: 18-22 °C

Temp. local: up to 40 °C

Humidity: 50-70

Thermostatically controlled floor heating is recommended. Lighting duration must be 12-14 hrs depending on the season. They need high light intensity and daily UV irradiation as well as sunny places with radiant heat.

Diet

According to their size, the food offer consists of live insects, such as crickets, house crickets, grasshoppers, zophobas etc., earthworms, nest young mice and raw minced meat with egg, supplemented with sweet fruit (e.g. bananas), fruit and oatmeal porridge as well as finely chopped vegetables. Ready-to-eat foods for insectivorous reptiles are also frequently accepted. Wax moths should rarely be fed in very small amounts because of their large fat content. Regular addition of minerals and vitamins (e.g. by dusting the food) is important. Young animals should be offered food daily, adults 4-5 times a week. Drinking water must always be available

A varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Reproduction and breeding

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Males have a slightly broader head. A reliable sex determination is only possible by testosterone determination or endoscopy.

They are viviparous (ovoviviparous) and a litter consists of 6-25 young, after a gestation period of 3 months. Suitable initial food for the young is small insects, fruits and fruit pulp.

Life expectancy can be 15-20 years.

Important

They are compatible, easy to socialize animals that often become food tame.

Typical for the species is their blue tongue, which is used to detect prey and to scare off enemies.

They need moist hiding places and according to their need for warmth sunny places, such as climbing branches or stones irradiated with a spotlight

Depending on the origin, a hibernation period of 2-4 months, at a temperature of 10-15 °C and a lighting period of about 8 hours is recommended

The terrarium must have good ventilation without drafts and meet the species specific needs. Measuring devices such as thermometers, hygrometers, etc. are necessary. The lighting has to correspond to the species-specific day-night rhythm and has to be placed in such a way that the animals cannot injure themselves. The terrarium should be locked in such a way that neither unauthorized persons can open it nor the animals can escape. Contamination must be removed regularly

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: petdata; Image: petdata 

Source: BMELV (1997): Tierschutzgutachten - Mindestanforderungen an die Haltung von Reptilien; ENGELMANN (2006): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Reptilien und Amphibien, Harri Deutsch Verlag

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF