Irian Jaya blue tongue skink
| Irian Jaya blue tongue skink | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Scientific classification | |
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Reptilia |
| Order: | Squamata |
| Suborder: | Sauria |
| Family: | Scincidae |
| Genus: | Tiliqua |
| Species: | [not named] |
The Irian Jaya blue tongue skink (Tiliqua sp.) is one of the least understood species of blue-tongued skink. The Irian Jaya has yet to be scientifically classified, but is arguably a different species from the other recognized members of the genus.
Appearance
The Irian Jaya has a distinct pattern that can be described as one of the most beautiful among blue-tongued skinks. It consists of thick dark brown, sometimes black, stripes with a peachy gold to brown undertone. The bellies of these animals can range from creme to orange to even red. As is characteristic of the other species in the genus, the Irian Jaya has a large blue tongue that it displays defensively in times of distress or danger. The approximate full length of an adult is 24 inches.
Life Span
The Irian Jaya Skink's lifespan can be expected to be about 15 years but has been known to exceed 20 years.
Breeding
The breeding season occurs once yearly. When a male finds a receptive female, he will scent mark her and follow her around. Mating can be aggressive and the males will hold the female down by biting her sides. Damage to the scales and light bleeding are common. Blue-tongued skinks are generally solitary animals and usually only come together during breeding season.
Irian Jayas are ovoviviparous. Their gestation period is roughly 100 days with 5 to 15 babies born per litter. The babies look almost exactly the same as the adults with only slight variations to coloring. The babies will wander off on their own and begin eating small insects and fruits just a few days after birth.
If kept as pets, Irian Jaya skinks should be housed separately and any offspring should be monitored for overall health during their first few sheds. Only after weeks of healthy growth and feeding should they be considered suitable for sale or trade.
External links
- The Irian Jaya Blue Tongue Skink at bluetongueskinks.net
- Blue Tongue Skink (Irian Jaya) Care Sheets