tiabunna's photos with the keyword: lizard

This skink lizard was about 300mm (1ft) long. When I double checked my identification of it, I was surprised to find there are over 325 skink species in Australia! The strange lighting effect (most visible in the PiP) is reflected light from a window.

This is an Eastern Blue-tongue lizard. These are the largest members of the skink family and are found across eastern and northern Australia. This one was near my house. They can grow to about 600mm and are harmless, though capable of giving a substantial bite. Most usefully, they eat slugs and snails.

I'll admit I was surprised, when driving a few days ago, to see this large Goanna wandering along the nature strip outside a neighbour's house. I stopped the car and wished I'd had a longer lens on the camera as I quickly caught this shot. Australia has about 25 species of Goannas, I think this one probably is a Lace Goanna (Varanus varius) , also known as a Lace Monitor. Best viewed large. Happy Fence Friday, everyone, I wish you all a great weekend.

The only thing that has recently excited me more than finding this Common Blue-Tongue lizard ( Tiliqua scincoides ) in my garden was when my lovely and talented daughter restored my computer to full working status. I'm glad to say that I'm now back online, with a lot of catching up to do!

UPDATED. There are too many Dragons in Australia! Friends have pointed out to me that this is a Jacky Dragon (Amphibolurus muricatus) not an Eastern Water Dragon as I incorrectly identified it. :-) Either way, it was enjoying the sun in my garden. See also PiPs.

Portrait of a local Bluetongue Lizard (commonly known as a "Bluey"). This one would have been about 400mm long. They're harmless and slow moving and useful to have around because they clean up things like snails and slugs. A larger image of this one in the PiP.

This very young Eastern Water Dragon was in our garden, watching me and hoping that it wouldn't be seen if it stayed still. It was only about 75mm long, when adult it will grow to something like 80-90cm.

This welcome little visitor to our garden is a Jackie Lizard, part of the Australian Dragons (Agamid) Lizards group. It watched me with interest as I wandered around taking this photo, but showed no concern. One I think Pam will enjoy.

This handsome chap is usually simply called a "Goanna", though his more formal name is "Lace Monitor". I saw him crossing a road and waved at an approaching vehicle to warn them, then photographed him when he was safely in the bush (see also notes). These can grow to about 2 metres. Explored.

Guess the header should read "tail". :) An Australian "Jacky Lizard", a member of a widespread Australian group of lizards from the family Agamidae (Dragons). It was enjoying the morning sun as I wandered by. Best on black. Explored.

The Gippsland Water Dragon who came visiting and tried to remain invisible against the fence when I wandered along.

This is the Wonga Wonga vine growing along our side fence. Recently, to my surprise, there was a moderately large Gippsland Water Dragon sitting motionless among it, trying hard not to be noticed. Happy Fence Friday!. PS. These are reasonably timid (though they do become accustomed to people) and live mainly on insects.

Bluetongues are very good garden residents, as they include garden pests such as snails and slugs in their diet.

A welcome and fairly regular visitor in our neighbourhood (another shot in a note)

Our first Eastern Blue-tongue Lizard of the season appeared in the yard yesterday. These are the largest member of the skink family. They are good to have around as they eat snails and such. Sadly, I wasn't able to get a shot with its tongue showing: maybe next time. :) I shall be away for about a week. It's likely that I will have little internet access, so please don't be surprised if you don't hear from me for a bit.