Hobbies And Interests
Dormancy
The difference between dormancy and hibernation is one of degree. Animals which go dormant reduce their metabolism and temperature only slightly. The consensus about the shinglebacks is that they become dormant. When the cool months of the year arrive, the shingleback nestles in leaf litter to wait out the cooler weather. Reserves of fat in its large tail support its life functions during this time. During warm days, the shingleback may leave its bed of leaves to bask in the sun, often using rocks and paved areas to maximize heat intake. It then will return to its dormant state when it cools off.
Feeding and Shelter
Shinglebacks eat carrion, insects and vegetation, including fruit, berries and blossoms, for which they seem to have a particular liking. They do not eat during dormancy. In nondormant periods, shinglebacks spend most of their time in sandy burrows or in rocky shelters.
Mating and Offspring
Unusual among lizards, shinglebacks are monogamous, meeting their mates again each spring, sometimes for as long as 20 seasons. They bear live young, usually two per year, although a female may bear up to five. The young are able to care for themselves immediately.
Predation
The tough skin of the shingleback deters predators. However, birds such as laughing kookaburras and brown falcons hunt the shinglebacks, and they are also prey for red-bellied black snakes, the eastern brown snake and the mulga snake. Cats and dogs also prey on the shingleback.