Why the blue tongue? For this reptile, it’s a form of self defense! Meet the blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua scincoides). Found in Australia and New Guinea, this lizard can reach lengths of nearly 2 ft (61 cm). Its body is covered in overlapping scales, supported by bony plates called osteoderms, which protect it from predators. But when faced with persistent foes, the blue-tongued skink has another defense: It will open its mouth, hiss, and reveal a bold blue tongue—startling foes with a flash of vibrant color.

Photo: Doug Beckers, CC BY-SA 2.0, flickr
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