amnhnyc:

A photo of a shingleback skink taken from slightly above. It’s dark in color, with rough textured scales, and has its jaws open to reveal a blue tongue. ALT

Meet the shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa)! While most skinks have smooth, overlapping scales and a glassy appearance, this one’s scales are keeled, or rigid. Scientists think that the shingleback’s short, stumpy tail—which is similar in shape to its head—confuses predators, leading them to wonder, “Which end is which?” In that moment of hesitation, the skink may escape. If that doesn’t work, it can flash its bright blue tongue to intimidate foes.

Photo: David Bree, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist