Western Blue Tongued Skink
(Tiliqua occipitalis)
Western Blue Tongued Skinks have a heavy build with small legs and toes. Western Blue Tongued Skinks also have the typical triangular blunt head of most other skinks. Western Blue Tongued Skinks get their name from a bright blue tongue in their pink or red mouths. The Western Blue Tongued Skink has a shorter tail and is more compact in size, reaching lengths of about 20 inches. Western Blue Tongued Skinks are generally reddish brown with lighter tan cross banding and a tan belly. Western Blue Tongued Skinks are omnivorous and likes various berries, spiders and other insects and arthropodsin the wild and can be found in New South Wales, North Territory, Queensland, South Australia, Victoria and West Australia.
Difficulty
NOVICE to MODERATE:Western Blue Tongued Skinks can make a good beginner pet. They do require specialized lighting however.
Requirements
An enclosure, such as:
- Glass or acrylic aquarium (10 gallons to 55 gallons or larger, depending on the size and number of Western Blue Tongued Skinks kept) with a secure lid with clamps
Substrate, such as:
- Aspen Shavings
- Newspaper
- Indoor/Outdoor Carpeting
A heating element, such as:
- UV producing bulb
- Incandescent heat bulb
- Ceramic infrared heat emitters
Enclosure
Hatchling Western Blue Tongued Skinks can be kept in a 10-gallon aquarium, but adults should be housed in a 55 gallon larger sized enclosure if more than two Western Blue Tongued Skinks are kept in the enclosure. Western Blue Tongued Skinks are ground dwellers and do not need many rocks or branches to climb, but a hide box should be provided for your Western Blue Tongued Skink. A secured screen top is also needed for ventilation. Do not house two adult male Western Blue Tongued Skinks together as they are territorial and will fight for space in the enclosure.
Substrate
The substrate or bedding that you use is one of the most important parts of your Western Blue Tongued Skink's home, since your Western Blue Tongued Skink will be spending much of its time on it. Aspen shavings make an excellent substrate. Indoor/Outdoor carpeting can also be used as an effective substrate for your Western Blue Tongued Skink. Be sure to have at least two identical pieces so that you can simply place the clean piece of carpeting in the enclosure while you rinse and disenfect the soiled piece. You can then allow the newly cleaned piece of carpeting to dry for the next days use. It's important to note that you should completely rinse the carpet after cleaning it to be sure there is no residual chemicals remaining on the carpet that could irritate your Western Blue Tongued Skink. Other substrates such as newspaper or paper towels can also be used. Part of the enclosure can be covered with a slightly damp substrate like sphagnum moss to provide extra humidity to help with shedding.Be sure to clean it often to prevent mold and bacteria growth.
Heating and Light
Western Blue Tongued Skinks should have daytime temperatures of 75°F to 85°F with a 90°F to 95°F basking area under a spotlight. Nightime temperatures should be 70°F to 80°F. Western Blue Tongued Skink require UV light for proper metabolic and bone development. This can be provided with fluorecent bulbs or mercury vapor spot lights which also provide heat. A spotlight with an appropriate wattage incandescnet bulb or ceramic emitter can be used to provide heat. Many hobbyists will install thermometers or thermostats in the enclsosure to be able to accurately maintain these temperatures. We do not recommend the use of any kind of heat rocks as they can often lead to burns on your Western Blue Tongued Skink
Diet
Western Blue Tongued Skinks are omnivorous (eating both plant and animal matter). Western Blue Tongued Skinks do well on a a diet consisting of 60% plant material and 40% animal protein will provide a healthy mix. Frozen mixed vegetables, various greens, crickets, mealworms, and thawed pre-killed frozen mice can all be fed to your Western Blue Tongued Skink. Fresh water should be provided daily.
