Spinifex Slender Bluetongue

The group of the Spinifex slender blue-tongue (Cyclodomorphus melanops) consists of small to medium-sized skinks that are primarily categorised by their slender body type. These species can measure around 12-13 centimetres from their snout to pelvis. With the tail of the animal spanning just shorter or equal to the length of its body. As stated by the name, each of the subspecies have a dark blue tongue colour with a pale upper lip.

Cyclodomorphus melanops melanops (Stirling & Zietz, 1893). This subspecies is typically a grey-brown, yellow-brown or orange-brown dorsal colouration with minimal body patterning. The underside is typically the same colour as the dorsal side, just paler. Having dorsal colours with minimal patterning allows for this species to camouflage into its surrounding habitat of light coloured sands. In turn reducing the likelihood of being spotted by predators such as foxes. The limbs for this species are short with small claws except for one longer toe on the hind legs. This aids them in the manoeuvring through the sandy surfaces and climbing up the branches of trees.

Cyclodomorphus melanops elongatus (Werner, 1910). The characteristics for this species is similar to that of the one above. However, the body for this subspecies is typically has a slightly darker brown dorsal surface colour with an even darker head. …

The C. melanops species are well adapted to the harsh environments of Australia. In turn meaning they are primarily distributed within

arid inland areas across Australia, within a range that extends from Western Australia (WA) to western NSW and Queensland (QLD). While they predominantly favour inland regions, it can also inhabit areas along the north coast of WA. The species is found to be most prominent within the southern end of South Australia (SA), midland Australia, and the western side of NSW. This distribution closely correlates with dryer desert environments, characterised by the presence of spinifex grasses. The adaptability of the C. melanops to arid conditions and Spinifex-rich landscapes contributes to its presence across the diverse regions of the Australian continent.

Each of the C. melanops have a solitary, nocturnal behaviour pattern and is typically most active within the late evenings and into the night. These skinks can have a tendency to be spotted within open environments such as roads and walking tracks when hunting for prey. However, they can also have a habit of hiding under rocks or low vegetation such as spinifex grasses where it is able to evade predators and wait for oncoming prey.