5 Animals with Blue Tongues: Unique Adaptations and Their Functions

In the animal kingdom, we often expect certain colors and traits, but there are fascinating exceptions and variations that give species an edge for survival. One such rare and striking trait is a blue tongue.

Have you ever wondered what color a polar bear’s tongue is? Or if animals really have purple or blue tongues? In this article, we introduce 5 animals with blue tongues, explaining the function and science behind this unusual adaptation.

Why Do Some Animals Have Blue Tongues?

The coloration of an animal’s tongue can serve several purposes, including:

• Protection from UV rays: Darker tongues help shield delicate tissues from sun damage.

• Camouflage and distraction: Blue tongues can confuse predators or signal danger.

• Warning signals: Known as deimatic behavior, blue coloration can serve as recognition or threat display.

• Genetic variation: Some blue tongues result from genetic mutations affecting pigmentation or blood flow.

The blue color may arise from specialized blood vessel arrangements, actual blue pigments, or increased melanin (dark pigment) concentration.

1. Blue-tongued Skink (Tiliqua scincoides)

These lizards flaunt vivid blue tongues, brighter at the back and lighter at the tip. When threatened by predators like foxes or birds, they expose and even flare their tongues sideways to appear larger. The bright blue, close to ultraviolet, is highly visible to predators, serving as an effective deterrent.

2. Shar Pei Dog

Originating in ancient China, the Shar Pei’s blue-black tongue was historically believed to ward off evil spirits. Their tongue, gums, and mouth lining are also dark-colored. This trait comes from two layers of blood vessels in the tongue, one carrying deoxygenated blood, giving it a dark hue. This is a normal, harmless genetic feature.

Other Chinese breeds, such as the Chow Chow, also share the distinctive blue-black tongue trait, which remains a breed standard in dog shows.

3. Polar Bear (Ursus maritimus)

Although polar bears appear white, their skin underneath is black to absorb solar heat. Their tongues, too, darken from pink at birth to bluish-black with age. This darkening helps protect their tongues from intense Arctic UV radiation reflected off snow and ice. Tongue coloration varies among individuals from spotted pink to deep black.

4. Giraffe (Giraffa spp.)

Giraffes have tongues ranging from blue to purple and nearly black. This is due to high melanin content, which protects their sensitive tongues from prolonged sun exposure while feeding in the African savanna. Their long, dark tongues can withstand hours of sun without damage.

5. Okapi (Okapia johnstoni)

A close relative of the giraffe, the okapi has a shorter neck, darker coat, and striped legs but shares the trait of a long, dark blue-black tongue. Measuring up to 30 centimeters, this prehensile tongue helps strip leaves from branches and also cleans its eyes and ears. The dark pigmentation offers similar sun protection.

Blue tongues are not just fascinating biological curiosities—they are vital adaptations that help these animals thrive in their environments. Learning about their unique traits can deepen our appreciation and efforts to conserve these remarkable species.

If you want to explore more about blue-tongued animals and other wildlife, check out our Wild Animals category for detailed articles.

Bibliografía

World Organization for Animal Health (s.f) Bluetongue. Disponible en: https://www.oie.int/en/disease/bluetongue/

Badiane, A., Carazo, P., Price-Rees, S. J., Ferrando-Bernal, M., & Whiting, M. J. (2018). Why blue tongue? A potential UV-based deimatic display in a lizard. Behavioral Ecology and Sociobiology, 72(7), 1-11.

Bechshoft, T. (2021). Why Do Polar Bears Have Black Skin? Disponible en: https://polarbearsinternational.org/news-media/articles/why-polar-bears-have-black-skin

animal tags： Blue Tongues Animals