Definition & Meaning of "blue-tongued skink"

What is a "blue-tongued skink"?

A blue-tongued skink is a fascinating lizard species known for its distinctive blue tongue. Native to Australia, these skinks have robust bodies and rough scales, usually brown or gray in color, providing excellent camouflage in their natural habitats. As the name suggests, their most remarkable feature is their wide, bright blue tongue, which they use as a defensive display to deter potential predators. Blue-tongued skinks are omnivorous, feeding on a varied diet of fruits, flowers, insects, and small vertebrates. They are relatively docile and often kept as pets due to their unique appearance and manageable size. With their inquisitive nature and captivating blue tongue, blue-tongued skinks are a popular reptile species among reptile enthusiasts.