Shingleback lizard

A reptile shaped like a pine cone

The shingleback, also called the bobtail or sleepy lizard, is a large blue-tongued skink with an unmistakable look: its body is covered in thick, protruding scales that resemble a pine cone or roof shingles. The tail is short, stumpy and rounded, so much so that it looks like the head: this "two-headed" appearance confuses predators, who cannot tell which way the animal will dart. Like its relatives, it displays a vivid blue tongue when threatened.

Habitat and distribution

It is endemic to southern and western Australia, where it inhabits grasslands, dry scrub and semi-desert. It is a ground-dwelling animal that moves slowly and spends much time basking in the sun — hence its English nickname of sleepy lizard.

Behaviour and reproduction

It is omnivorous: it feeds on plants, flowers, fruit, snails and insects. Its most remarkable trait is pair fidelity: male and female form monogamous bonds that can last many years, reuniting each breeding season with the same partner. It is viviparous and gives birth to a few young that are very large relative to the mother.

Curiosities

Some individuals can live for several decades, making it one of the longest-lived lizards. Its slowness and reluctance to flee often make it a victim of road traffic when it crosses roads to warm up on the asphalt.

Conservation

The IUCN lists the species as Least Concern: it is common and widespread. The main local threats are road deaths and illegal collection for the exotic pet trade.