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.

The shingleback is found and well-known in Australia as they are commonly seen basking in the sun in open areas or by the roadsides. Due to their fondness of sunny weather, shinglebacks will likely be found in shrublands to desert grasslands.

Shinglebacks are omnivorous. They need to eat small, slow-moving prey since the shingleback can’t move quick enough to ambush anything larger. Therefore, their diet consists of insects, snails, flowers, and vegetation. If the shingleback is close to residences, they have been known to also eat human food.

Two things make shinglebacks unlike most lizards: live births and monogamy. Mating season takes place from September-November, but if a pair is mated, they will continue to see each other outside of the mating months. In fact, some pairs have been recorded returning to each other for over 20 years! After the female is pregnant, she will give birth to one-four babies, which will stay with their parents for several months before forming their own close-by colony.

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.