Olive brown to black and has irregular pale bands on the body and tail. The head is often lighter in colour and can have orange flecks on the top and sides.
There are four subspecies with some variations:
- Eastern Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa aspera) Similar to western bobtail but with a darker belly, larger body scales and a shorter fatter tail
- Western Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa rugosa) Similar to eastern and northern but paler belly and longer tail, larger ear and pale irregular bands on the back
- Rottnest Island Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa konowi) Yellow belly.
- Northern Bobtail (Tiliqua rugosa palarra) Similar to western bobtail with a smaller ear and usually no pale irregular bands on the back
Size
Total length 45cm.
Behaviour
Diet
Mostly things they can swallow such as plant material, especially fruit, insects, slugs, snails, faeces and dead animal carcasses including maggots.
Movement
Slow crawl unless startled.
Breeding
Bobtails live alone for most of the year but between September and November males pursue females and mating occurs. At this time males may fight aggressively among themselves. The same pairs may re-form in the mating season over several years.
Females give birth 3 - 5 months after mating, between December and April. They are able to breed every year if there is sufficient food. They give live birth to 2 or 3 young which are around 22 cm. The young are ready to look after themselves straight after birth and disperse within a few days.
Field Guide
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