Order: Squamata

A close relative of the more familiar bluetongue, the Shingleback (Trachydosaurus rugosus) is an extremely distinctive member of the lizard family known as skinks. Its two most striking features are the short rounded tail, which bears a remarkable resemblance to the head end to confuse predators, and the huge (protective) scales covering the body giving it a rough and bumpy appearance. When threatened they bend their body into a semicircle, open the mouth widely, extend their tongue, and emit a threatening hissing sound.

Its limbs are short, the hind limb is about one-fifth the body length. It also has a dark-blue tongue.

Inhabitants of the drier areas of southern Australia, Shinglebacks are superbly adapted to survive the harsh arid climate of this region. The thick, tough skin provides great protection against predators and keeps water loss to a minimum. The tail is designed as a fat storage organ and, after a good season, these lizards can go many months without food if necessary.

It is found in a wide variety of habitats where it shelters under leaf litter, or ground debris and timber, and it spends most of its life in and out of sand-dug burrows or rocky structures.

A slow-moving lizard, it feeds upon insects, carrion and vegetable matter such as foliage, berries and fruits. They have a particular liking for flowers and will seasonally gorge themselves on blossoms, particularly yellow ones, if given the opportunity.

Almost unique in the lizard world, shinglebacks find a compatible mate and then will continue to pair up with the same partner every spring for 20 or more years. Females typically produce two large babies a year.

This lizard is approximately 30-40 cm.

Skinks (Family SCINCIDAE) are the largest and most diverse family of lizards in Australia, and it is difficult to generalize on their features. There are diurnal, nocturnal and crepuscular species and they may be arboreal, terrestrial or fossorial. In size they range from a few centimeters to more than 50 cm. Most have smooth scales and a large tail that is easily cast off although some species have rogh or very prickly scales.

There are over 300 species of skinks in Australia.

The Shingleback is not protected in international trade.

References:

Gerry Swan, A Photographic Guide to Snaakes & Other Reptiles of Australia, The Australian Museum & First Holland Publishers, 1995

Gerry Swan, Green Guide: Snakes & Other Reptiles of Australia, New Halland Publishers (Australia) Pty ltd, 1998

Hoser, R.T., 1989. Australian Reptiles and Frogs. 238 pages, 613 pictures. Published by Pierson & Co., P.O. Box 87, Mosman, NSW, Australia. ISBN 0 947068 08 2.

The Australian Reptile Park, http://www.reptilepark.com.au/animals/reptiles/Shingleback.htm