Class: Reptilia  
Order: Squamata 
Family: Scincidae 
Genus: Tiliqua 
Species: scincoides 

The blue-tongued skink is light brown with orange and brown bars on its sides. Its large, triangular head is covered in smooth and shiny scales and its cobalt-blue tongue is offset by the deep pink interior of its mouth. The skink has a powerful bite, which is handy for feeding on large snails. When it bites defensively, it does not like to let go, inflicting considerable pain on its victim.