The Common Bluetongue ranges from south-eastern SA through Victoria, north to the top end of the NT and the Kimberley. This lizard is one of the world's largest skinks.

It is a large (550 mm in length), long bodied skink with smooth scale. Its upper surface is pale grey to brown. It has 6-9 darker bands across its back and 6-8 across its pointed tail. Its underside is smooth and pale. The blue tongue is poked out when it is looking for food. It is also used as a defensive warning.

Bluetongues shelter under timber or litter in colder weather. During the day and on warm evenings they feed on insects, snails, vegetation and carrion.

The female may produce up to 25 live young at a birth.