Species and Subspecies Identification Keys

[James Wilson]

When browsing this forum, I often see posts from members wondering what species, subspecies, or form of Tiliqua they have. There are times that it is a very easy answer for most of us here, but there are times that there is a great deal of confussion, as is often the case regarding the Irian Jaya BTS. As a result, I am going to post my species key for Tiliqua and my subspecies keys for scincoides and gigas. In addition, I will post another seperate post here with some information on the irian Jaya BTS and its origin in an effort to help newer members understand the origins of this form and how to properly identify it.

Blue-tongued Skink classification Key To the species of the genus Tiliqua

1. Anterior temporal scales not elongated, being similar in size and shape as the other temporal scales………………………………………………………………………2

Anterior temporal scales elongated, being much longer than other temporal scales.….….........................................................................3

2. Distinct cross-bands on the body, with adult sizes over 14 inches....4

No distinct cross-bands on body, being patternless, or having pale blotches. Lacking dark temporal streak.………………………………..................5

3. Fore limbs patternless, and paler than hind limbs. Tail accounts for no more than 60% of the snout-vent length……………......................scincoides

Forelimbs basically black, and tail accounting for 75% or more of the snout-vent length……………………………………………………........................gigas

4. 9 or more thin orange-brown cross-bands on the body……multifaciata

No more than 6 broad dark bands (about twice the width of the paler interspaces) on the body....................................occipitalis

5. 32 mid-body scale rows or less, and adult sizes over 14 in. 2 anterior lobules present………………….…………………………..…………………..…..……nigrolutea

more than 32 mid-body scale rows, and adults less than 8 in. No more than 1 anterior lobule present. Tongue is pink, not blue………adelaidensis



Key To the subspecies of the species scincoides

1. The cross-bands on the back continue uninterrupted over the flanks….2

The cross-bands on the back change into an alternating pattern of dark brown and yellow-orange blotches on the flanks................…intermedia


2. Temporal streak usually present, (but sometimes faint). Dark lateral edges of the scales in the paler interspaces (between the dark bands) produce a series of thin dark brown lines running down the body...............……………………..………..….…..........................................................scincoides

Yellow-gold to white coloration on the chin and on the ventral surface. The dorsal surface is gold-brown to light grey with silver-grey banding. Fewer than 33 mid body scale rows with the free edge of the dorsal scales being rounded and smooth……………………………….......................chimaerea



Key To the subspecies of the species gigas

1. One dark stripe on the nape of the neck……………………………………………2

Three dark neck stripes on the nape of the neck…………………………keyensis

2. Tail lacking definite banding, being mostly black, often with some speckling of the background color on it. The larger scales of the head are very often outlined in black. The dorsal bands are black and may have a certain amount of speckling of the background color in them……………gigas

Tail marked with distinct bands, while the dorsal bands of adult specimens are usually faded to a pale grey-brown and may also be thinner. The head is usually pale grey, and generally free of any dark markings. Grows to large size up to 26inches………………………………..........evanescens