Pre H lizard

[Rhanna]

This is a most unusual lizard trading under various names. Stumpy tail is probably the most common. This lizard is designed to stand the most hostile climate living in semi desert conditions with temperatures up around 50 C and a scarcity of water. I have seen them miles from any water in searing temperatures. They survive!
Fill the gaps in Sledge, I am relyng on you!
Rupert

[steve.ledger]

Haha - ok - if you insist Rupert

It's actually a 'Skink' and a relative of the Blue Tongue Skink (also commonly called a 'lizard') common to the southern states.
Never seen them this far North though. (We do have large water dragons here, often kept as pets )

But you're right, it's commonly known as a Stump Tail

[Rhanna]

Thanks Steve.
Also they don't usually grow much longer than 12 inches (300mm). They are harmless although they have a good grip in the jaws. Some people have used them in their garden to clean up the snails (among other things).
Rupert

[Soquili]

Very interesting little reptile Rupert. I wonder if the stumpy tail is indicative of desert dwelling species. The Gila Monster also has a round blunt tail rather than a thin tapering tail like other lizards.

Steve your link to the Stump Tail doesn't work. Probably the parenthises.

 
http://(http//en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stump-tailed_skink)

[Rhanna]

Very interesting Bill. A lot of similarities.
The stumpy is very tough, also slow moving and as a result when crossing roads they often get run over.
Rupert

[steve.ledger]

Steve your link to the Stump Tail doesn't work. Probably the parenthises.

Fixed Bill - thanks for spotting that.

[raynerj1]

Pretty neat Rupert. Ugly lizard tho. Looks like excrement with legs.

[steve.ledger]

Nice comment John..
Not..

[handrawn]

on a technical note [sledge will kick me if I am wrong] there are no lizards native to Australia

skinks look like lizards and as he says get called 'lizards' - but they aint - any more than a Kangaroo is a mammal though from a distance it might look like one [never seen one close ]

[zaphodeist]

Before Sledger gets to you, Kangaroos are "... are an infraclass of mammals ..." - as if I know wot that meens