The Missus and I were out working in our yard today. We have discovered we are a haven for skinks of all sizes (both broad-headed and three-lined). This one was a little guy...about 4 inches / 10 cm.
The bright blue tail is thought to be a defense mechanism. If attacked by something that wants to eat it (like our terrier, Banjo), the brightly colored tail will be a more visible target than the far more important head, chest and abdomen. But, of course, the tails of a lot of lizards are detachable, but then they regenerate...they grow a new one!
This is the profile view, and in my 365 album for today there is a top-down view.
