Species: Blue-tongued skink (Tiliqua)
Intake Date: March, 2015
Onslo, our resident Blue-Tongued Skink (Tiliqua), is one of our reptile and non-native residents. Onslo’s previous owner was Rose Ann Meccoli, who worked in the Wildlife Medical Clinic for over 15 years. She was also very involved in our ambassador program during that time. Rose Ann passed away in March 2015, and Onslo was then given to the clinic to become a member of our Education and Outreach Program. While not an Illinois-native, or a previous wild animal, Onslo makes a great addition to our program because he helps spread reptile education and awareness to the public, which will transmit respect for local wild reptiles in Illinois. Additionally, he will also help diffuse the fear and misconceptions surrounding many reptile species.
Fun Facts
Blue-Tongue Skinks are reptiles mainly from Australia, but also Indonesia and New Guinea. They have a long, flat body, with short legs that help them live on the ground in forests. As the name suggests, their tongues really are blue in color, which they flash to predators when they are feeling threatened. The bright blue color frightens the predators, making them think that the skink is poisonous. Blue-Tongued Skinks are omnivores, eating fruits, vegetables, insects, and meat including carrion.