Facts about Australian Blue Tongue Lizard

1. 07

   Blue tongue lizards can detach their tails when threatened by predators, allowing them to escape while the severed tail continues wriggling to distract attackers.

   Australian Blue Tongue LizardMay 14sharedefenseanatomybehavior
2. 06

   A blue tongue lizard's body can measure up to 60 centimeters in total length, making it one of the largest skink species native to Australia.

   Australian Blue Tongue LizardMay 14sharemeasurementbiologymorphology
3. 05

   In warm climates, blue tongue lizards consume up to 90 percent plant matter including fruits and vegetables, making them among the most herbivorous lizard species in Australia.

   Australian Blue Tongue LizardMay 14sharedietbehaviorbiology
4. 04

   Venomous glands in the lower jaw of blue tongue lizards produce a mild toxin that causes pain but poses minimal threat to humans.

   Australian Blue Tongue LizardMay 14sharebiologyvenomdefense
5. 03

   Slow-moving blue tongue lizards can live 15-20 years in the wild and up to 25 years in captivity, making them relatively long-lived reptiles compared to many other Australian species.

   Australian Blue Tongue LizardMay 14sharelifespanbiologycaptivity
6. 02

   Australian blue tongue lizards gestate their eggs internally for approximately 17-24 days before giving birth to live young, typically producing litters of 5-25 babies.

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7. 01

   The blue tongue of an Australian blue tongue lizard can reach up to 25 millimeters in width when fully extended as a defensive threat display.

   Australian Blue Tongue LizardMay 14sharebiologymeasurementdefense