Sex

Blue-tongued skinks typically have a breeding season that corresponds to the warmer months of the year. In their native habitats in Australia, this breeding season commonly occurs in spring and early summer when temperatures rise, creating optimal conditions for mating and egg development.

The breeding season is triggered by environmental cues, primarily changes in temperature and daylight duration. As temperatures increase, blue-tongued skinks become more active, and the extended daylight hours signal the onset of the breeding season.

During the breeding season, male blue-tongued skinks engage in courtship rituals to attract females. These rituals may include head-bobbing, tongue-flicking, and circling behaviors. The goal is for the male to demonstrate his fitness and establish dominance in order to mate with receptive females.

Once courtship is successful, mating occurs. Blue-tongued skinks typically copulate, and fertilization is internal. Mating behaviors can involve the male gripping the female's neck or body, and the process may be repeated several times during the breeding season.

After successful mating, female blue-tongued skinks undergo a gestation period during which they develop the embryos internally.

The gestation period can last several weeks, and during this time, it's crucial to provide the female with proper nutrition and a suitable environment for egg development.

Following the gestation period, females lay eggs in a carefully prepared nest. Blue-tongued skinks are ovoviviparous, meaning the eggs develop and hatch internally, and the female gives birth to live young. The number of offspring can vary, and the process is a culmination of successful mating and gestation.

Female blue-tongued skinks often exhibit maternal behaviors by protecting the eggs and providing a level of care to the newborns. In captivity, it's essential to mimic natural nesting conditions, ensuring a suitable substrate for egg laying and creating a secure environment for the young skinks.