Description:

The outback pinecone skink (Armatiliqua desertumus) is a skink species native to most of the Australian continent. These skinks evolved from the shingleback skink (Tiliqua rugosa), an armored species of blue-tongued skink. Due to their armor-like scales, they were some of the few native animals to deal with cats and foxes. They make these lizards energy-consuming to eat for these predators. Since the Holocene, they also evolved osteoderms underneath their dermal scales, which adds further protection. To support these additional bones, they developed more robust limbs. These limbs not only support the body but also help in digging up hard soil and creating burrows. These animals are typically reddish-orange in color with a cream spot on their dorsal side and a white belly with black spots on their ventral side. There are, however, different color morphs that have been observed, such as mostly black, brown, yellow, and cream. These animals are 60 centimeters long and weigh between 18 and 20 kilograms.

Distribution:

These lizards inhabit the open savannah, woodlands, and deserts of Australia. They prefer habitats that have open areas to burrow in.

Diet and Feeding:

These lizards eat succulents, leaves, and fruits. They have serrated teeth that evolved that help to cut tough vegetation. 

Behavior:

These lizards live in small groups of up to 10 individuals. These groups are highly social, with members forming close family bonds and relationships. Individuals communicate by wagging their tails in specific patterns. They also produce hisses when stressed or provoked. These animals use bluff charges to intimidate predators and rivals as well. They also use chemical signals to communicate with each other. These reptiles also construct meter-deep cup-shaped burrows. These dens serve as a refuge and protection from predators. They put their tails, which are covered in smooth, hardened scales, to plug the entrance of the burrow. These scales are incredibly hard for predators to get onto.

Reproduction:

These animals form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, which spans from the onset of the dry season to the conclusion of the wet season. After breeding, the female will produce 3 to 5 baby skinks. Given that they are viviparous, these lizards give birth to live young.