Scientific Classification
KINGDOM: Animalia
PHYLUM: Chordata
CLASS: Reptilia
ORDER: Squamata
FAMILY: Scincidae
GENUS: Tiliqua
SPECIES: T. rugosa
Conservation Status
Shinglebacks are aptly named for their heavily armored bodies, which can grow up to 10-12 inches long.
Most skinks have a slight resemblance to other skink species; however, the shingleback looks the most distinguished with its wide head, stubby tail, and armored body. All skinks have coloration that blends in with their environment to ward off predators. Besides their coloring, having their tails resemble the wide shape of the shingleback’s head also confuses predators. Plus, their short tails also hold fat reserves that the lizard will use during hibernation!
Shinglebacks possess a dark blue tongue that they can use to ward off predators.
Skinks are the second largest group of lizards in the world with over a thousand species, following geckos.
Shinglebacks don’t have much in the offensive skills department, and their short legs make them significantly slower than other lizards. Plus, shinglebacks can’t shed their tail when in danger to confuse predators like most skinks. However, shinglebacks are also included in the blue-tongued lizards’ category. Their dark blue tongue can be shown as a bluff-warning to potential predators.