Aussies....What kind of Lizard could this be...?

Question

I live in suburbia Sydney, no bush etc., however I have spotted this large looking lizard a couple of times over the past few months in my backyard. It is living in behind my shed, where there are overgrown bushes. It is not a blue tongue or frilled neck - in fact it has quite a distinctive look of its own. Its quite large (maybe 35-40cm long) four legs, but has a distinct tail. Rather than its tail petering off to a long thin one, its quite large and stumpy. The best way I can describe it, is that its the shape of a long thick cactus (stump or penis) I have searched google sites but cant seem to find one that resembles a tail like this - so weird - I've never seen anything like it. Does anyone know what it could be..??

Update:

I would almost go as far as to say, that it looks like a small komodo dragon - but this thick set stumpy tail is baffling me.

zafir · Accepted Answer

What you describe is probably a Shingleback Lizard.  These grow to around 40 cms, have a stumpy tail, are related to blue tongued lizards, and are very common in the Sydney area.  This link has a photo.  http://australianmuseum.net.au/Shingleback-Lizard

Anonymous · Answer

It definitely sounds like a stumpy tail lizard.  It is out of its natural range and may be an escaped pet.

NickiM · Answer

Try Googling 'Stumpy Tail Lizard' or "Bob-Tailed Blue Tongue (aka Shingleback)" and see if that's it.

Anonymous · Answer

on the start it regarded like a bearded dragon. then as quickly as I observed it circulate it regarded like a skink. i'm very very nearly effective it truly is a southern alligator lizard. it truly is unquestionably one of those skink and that they are community to california. Google image it... it seems same!

fruitsalad · Answer

I also agree with shingleback. We had one in our garden in Adelaide earlier this week, but they call them sleepy lizards here.

Jay D · Answer

Was it Julia Gillard? We know her tail is large and stumpy.

P.s. I agree with Zafir, it's probably a Shingeback. I've had a couple in my yard over the years (Sydney).

Anonymous · Answer

Gillard lives behind your shed ? lol  Sheeze , I used to be fond of nature ...now I'm not so sure !

Bingalee · Answer

That's a shingle back lizard.

http://www.ozanimals.com/image/albums/australia/Reptile/normal_200404070003r.jpg

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Aussies....What kind of Lizard could this be...?

8 Answers