Although the blue-tailed lizard’s tail is actually blue, its body is black with yellow stripes.
The blue-tailed lizard is a type of lizard native to Australia. As its name suggests, this small reptile features a striking blue tail at the end of a dark brown or black body. Skinks are active during the day and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. Its scientific name is Cryptoblepharus egeriae.
Although native to Australia’s Christmas Island, these lizards are now found in Australia, New Zealand, Fuji, and Indonesia. They also inhabit the Solomon Islands, New Guinea, Micronesia, and many parts of the United States. Its preferred habitats are low vegetation and plantations with some tree cover; while most lizards live at ground level, some also choose a hole in a tree. The diet of this exotic lizard consists mainly of small insects such as crickets, grasshoppers, earthworms and ants. These insects are usually very easy to find among the vegetation and small trees where blue-tailed lizards make their home.
Blue-tailed crayfish often eat crickets.
The back of the blue-tailed lizard has three distinct yellow stripes. One possible reason for the location and color of these stripes is that they may cause predators to direct their eyes at the bright blue tail, perhaps preventing a fatal attack on the lizard’s body. As the blue-tailed gecko ages, its striking colors may begin to fade or become less prominent. Male lizards may have some red markings around the head area, while female lizards tend to have little to no red coloration.
Blue-tailed crayfish are found in Australia, New Zealand, Fuji, and Indonesia.
The average length of the blue-tailed lizard is 4 to 6 cm from head to tail, although some can be much larger than that. An interesting and unique feature of the conspicuous blue tail is that the lizard may temporarily drop it in a dangerous situation to distract a predator. The tail will continue to wag as the lizard runs to safety and should grow back. Most lizards live in holes and tunnels that can be easily reached if threatened by predators.
Blue-tailed lizards are popular pets for anyone looking for a more exotic lizard. Caring for this type of reptile requires a moderate degree of knowledge and some specialized equipment. The temperature and humidity of the gecko’s environment must be carefully controlled, and access to adequate food and water sources is essential. Skinks do not usually tolerate much handling, and this is particularly true of the blue-tailed variety, as their tails are very sensitive. The estimated life expectancy for a captive lizard is approximately ten years.