The Shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa)

Here is one from my trip to Western Australia earlier this year....

The Shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa), also known as the bobtail lizard, sleepy lizard, or stumpy-tailed skink, is one of Australia’s most recognisable reptiles. Native to the arid and semi-arid regions of Western Australia, it has a distinctive appearance: a short, stumpy tail that resembles its broad, triangular head, providing a clever form of mimicry against predators. Its body is covered with large, rough, overlapping scales that give a shingled or armoured look—hence the name.

When threatened, they may open their mouths wide to display a vivid blue tongue and hiss—a deterrent to would-be predators.

Colouration varies from dark brown to pale cream, often mottled with lighter patches to blend in with scrub, sandplain, and woodland environments. Shinglebacks are slow-moving, terrestrial skinks that spend much of their time basking or foraging for flowers, fruits, leaves, and the occasional insect.

What makes the Shingleback particularly fascinating is its behaviour and social structure. Unlike most reptiles, it often forms long-term monogamous pair bonds, with males and females reuniting each breeding season—sometimes for decades. The species gives birth to live young, usually one to four fully formed miniature adults, rather than laying eggs. During the hot months, Shinglebacks play an important ecological role by helping disperse native plant seeds through their droppings. Although relatively common and resilient, they face increasing hazards from road traffic and habitat loss near human settlements in Western Australia.