Here is another type of lizard I keep. T. nigrolutea, or "blotched" bluetongue skinks. This is a new species for me, but one I have wanted to keep for a long time. These are Australian lizards found in the southeast part of Australia and Tasmania. They usually get around 21"-22" long and can weigh 1000 grams. They are very awesome animals to keep!

Sweet! that guy is awesome. I love skinks they are so cool. never seen one like this before. Any plans on maybe breeding them in the future?

Definitely one of the coolest looking reptiles out there. Your a lucky guy Jeff!

Wow! I never even knew these existed. Never even seen one in pics. Very cool. Are they more rare than the Super rare shingle backs? How have I never heard of these?

What is their temperament compared to the Northern BTS? Are you breeding them?

Seriously, that is a pretty cool lizard. And normally Blue Tongue Skinks don't really do much for me. Where'd you pick him up from?

Pretty lizard, love the blue tongue

Thanks for the nice comments. I absolutely intend to breed these. I only have two right now (appears to be a pair), but I plan to add at least a couple more if I can find the right animals. They not often available, and I am pretty particular about what I am looking for.

In the U.S., these probably are more rare than shinglebacks right now. Ironically, they cost less. That is mainly because less people know about them, and the fact that they have larger litters than shinglebacks. Even though there is really only one person in the U.S. that has produced them in consecutive years, there is the potential to produce more of them faster than shinglebacks.

Temperament wise, they are similar to other BTS, but very unique. Their personality Is different from other species of Tiliqua. They seem to be more confident, and less skittish than most others. So far, to me they seem to be a more active version of shinglebacks. Definitely my two favorite lizards so far. You really can't go wrong with any of the bluetongue skinks though!

Love the color and pattern. Coming from se Australia and Tasmania, do they need a more temperate habitat than other species ?

I got these from the one breeder who had them available this year. I have been on his waiting list for over two years. I would have bought more if they were available, but they weren't.

These guys don't require significantly different temperatures than other BTS species year round, but they do require very cool temperatures during brumation in order to cycle them for breeding. In Australia, they are frequently observed curled up on the surface of the ground in temperatures in the 40's Fahrenheit. It will be a bit of a challenge to get them cool enough here in central Arizona, but I am hopeful.

Well the pics got our attention and now you've got an eager to learn audience. I did a google search and there are some nice looking lizards, but yours are spectacular. The black and orange is beautiful. From what I saw on the other sites, it seems yours would be the more northern or "Alpine" type. Is that correct? I know I can't believe everything I read on the Internet.

So they've been seen at 40 in the wild, but how cool do they need to get to cycle them for breeding? My garage stays around 50-55 all winter long down on the concrete slab.

I see why you like the skinks so much. I'm becoming quite a fan too.

(09-14-2012 07:59 PM)Tom Wrote:  Well the pics got our attention and now you've got an eager to learn audience.

Agreed.

And when you do start breeding these guys, be sure to let us know.

LOL! 50-55 is about perfect for cooling these guys in captivity Tom! Most people are afraid to take them that low because they are afraid they will die. They won't.

The two I have are 2012 babies, and only a few months old. They will realistically be ready to breed in the spring of 2014. By then I hope to have at least a couple more. One of the hardest parts of breeding some of the rare species is having the patience to wait. Lots of people buy old adult animals hoping to breed them immediately, and never produce anything. The key, in my opinion, is to get young captive bred animals, and raise them up right. If you do that, your chances of success are excellent!

(09-14-2012 08:54 PM)JeffG Wrote:  The key, in my opinion, is to get young captive bred animals, and raise them up right. If you do that, your chances of success are excellent!

I agree completely.

Plus, I'm already taking care of two baby animals right now, so I need to wait anyway... no rush.

We should be paying you for these lessons. More please.

Wow gorgeous, can you pm me on how to acquire one of these guys.