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What if I told you? There's a lizard with the tongue the color of a blueberry that uses it to scare away predators and can puff itself up like a balloon when it feels threatened. Today, we're learning about one of the strangest reptiles in the world, the blue tongue skin. I'm your host, Garrett Maroon, and before I introduce my three favorite reptile explorers, let me give a big thank you. Thank you to Evelyn from Longview, Texas, who recommended today's topic. And a birthday shout out to Harry from Wales in the UK, turning eight on June 27th. Happy birthday, Harry! If you want to say hi to the Nature Loving Kids, suggest an animal or nature topic, or get a birthday shout out, please email us at Nature LovingKidspodcast at gmail.com. Now, introducing my three favorite reptile explorers.

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Hi, I'm Hattie, and I already have one question for today. Why is its tongue blue? And I'm Dylan. And can people have blue tongues too? And I'm Ivy and I'm ready for some lizardrogs.

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We are too. Blue-tongued skinks are lizards that live mostly in Australia and nearby islands. They're not giant, most grow to only about two feet long.

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So they're bigger than lizards we see around here?

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Much bigger. They have short legs, long bodies, smooth scales, and they look a little bit like a reptile sausage with legs.

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Sounds delicious. Want to hear the most amazing part? Yaa Their tongue is bright blue, not light blue, not gray blue, bright, shiny blue. Why?

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Scientists believe it helps scare predators. When a skink feels threatened, it opens its mouth wide, hisses, and sticks out its blue tongue. Suddenly it looks much bigger and scarier.

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So it's like a surprise warning signal.

SPEAKER_00 2:50

Exactly. A predator sees that flash of blue and often backs away.

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Here's something surprising.

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Most lizards lay eggs, but blue-tongued skinks usually give birth to live babies.

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Yep. The babies are born fully formed and ready to explore, which is unusual for a reptile.

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Very unusual. Alright, lizard joke time. What do you have for us, Ivy?

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What did the lizard say to the next lizard? What? What do lizards like to eat with their hamburgers? What? French flies.

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Blue-tongued skinks aren't picky eaters. They eat insects, snails, flowers, berries, fruits, and vegetables.

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So they're kind of like nature's snackers. I wish I could snack like that. Yo-do!

SPEAKER_00 4:02

Yes, he does. And like you, Dylan, they're omnivores, which means they eat both plants and animals.

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Now blue-tongue skinks aren't fast, so instead of running away, they use defense. They can puff up their bodies, hiss loudly, show off a blue tongue, and flatten themselves to look bigger. That's a lot of tricks. It is. God designed them with several ways to stay safe.

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When we look at a blue-tongued skink, it's easy to think that's a really weird animal.

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Because it kind of is.

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Well, it is, but that's one of the things I love about creation. God didn't create every animal the same. Some animals roar, some fly, some glow, and some have bright blue tongues.

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Nature is so interesting.

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The variety we see in creation points to an incredibly creative creator. Alright, time for one more lizard joke break. What do you have for us, Dylan?

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When does a lizard say quack? When? When he's learning a new language. What do you call a gecko covered in snow? What? A lizard.

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Think about this.

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A lizard with a tongue the color of the sky that uses it as a warning signal.

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And carries babies instead of laying eggs.

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They are definitely one of the weirdest animals we've learned about. And one of the coolest.

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Blue-tongued skinks may not be famous like lions or whales, but they are one of the most unique reptiles in the world. From their bright blue tongues to their clever defenses, they remind us that nature is full of surprising designs. Thanks for joining us on the Nature Loving Kids Podcast.

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If you like this episode, share it with a friend. And remember, click the follow button. New episode every Wednesday. And please leave a review. We read every one. And check your tongue just in case it flips. Remember to look for the blue spot and letter.

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Until next time, stay curious, get outside, and remember.

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The world is full of wild wonders. The world is full of wild wonders. The world is full of wild wonders.

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The world is full of wild wonders.