In January 2010 Dr Geoff Patterson kindly E-mailed me a copy of a paper by Chapple, Ritchie and Daugherty (2009) on the origin, diversification and systematics of New Zealand's skinks. On the basis of mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence data the paper concludes that New Zealand's skinks in fact form a single monophyletic (ie having a common ancestry) lineage, and consequently revises the classification of the skinks so that all are now considered Oligosoma species. C. pachystomaticum is also no longer recognised as a distinct species but considered a synonym of C. oliveri. The Oligosoma page on this website therefore also includes all the former Cyclodina species (identifiable by a [C.] in the species name), but we will retain a modified page on Cyclodina for reference purposes as some literature refers to the genus.
Many thanks to Dr Patterson for his bringing this to my attention.
Owing to the size of the genus, full details may take some time to add. This page will be periodically updated.
| Scientific Name |
Common Name |
Distribution |
Size |
Notes |
| Oligosoma |
| O. acrinasum |
Littoral Skink, Fjordland Skink |
New Zealand (Seal Islands and Gilbert Islands in Breaksea Sound, Fjordland) |
TL 20cm/8 ", SVL approx 7½-8¾cm |
Found on the cold coastline of Fjordland, mainly on islands such as Seal and Gilbert. It is diurnal, living among stones, driftwood and seaweed, and has been observed diving into saltwater pools. Scalation details: nostril situated anteriorly below middle of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, usually shorter than, but sometimes as long as, frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3 postoculars; 7-8 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-3 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd supralabial, and posterior contacts 2nd & 3rd supralabial; 7 supralabials, of which 6th or 7th largest; 5-6 infralabials, of which 3rd, 4th or 5th largest; 5th supralabial below centre of eye; 2 postlabials; 1 primary temporal, 2 secondary and 2-3 tertiary; 7-9 upper ciliaries, 9-12 lower; 5-7 suboculars, of which 2nd & 3rd or 3rd & 4th separated by 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental as large as or larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: 37-38 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 90-100 rows. Other: preanal scales enlarged; ear opening round, moderately large, with 1 or more projecting granules on anterior margin; 16-19 subdigital lamellae, smooth; moderately long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: dorsally uniform shiny copper or with scattered light or dark flecks; narrow dorsolateral paler stripe (sometimes edged beneath with black) may be present, especially above shoulder; laterally grey to grey-brown, sometimes flushed with yellow, and sometimes with broad dark band, and with darker and lighter flecks; labials have alternating black/white denticulate pattern; ventrally, throat light grey and often flecked with black, belly uniform cream to green or yellowish green, and tail and hind limbs orange. Reproduction: 2-6 (usually 2) young born Jan-Feb. [SOURCE: Hardy, Jewell, Robb, Sharell] |
| O. [C.] aenea |
Copper Skink |
New Zealand (North Island and outlying islands except Aupouri Peninsula, Poor Knights Island or Three Kings Island groups) |
SVL approx. 5½-6½ cm |
One of the more common North Island skinks: found in variety of suitable habitat, including coastlines, gardens and behind beaches. It is often found in the company of the Common Skink Oligosoma zelandica. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: ??. Ventral scalation: ??. Other: ??. Coloration: dorsally uniform shiny copper or with scattered light or dark flecks; narrow dorsolateral paler stripe (sometimes edged beneath with black) may be present, especially above shoulder; laterally grey to grey-brown, sometimes flushed with yellow, and sometimes with broad dark band, and with darker and lighter flecks; labials have alternating black/white denticulate pattern; ventrally, throat light grey and often flecked with black, belly uniform cream to green or yellowish green, and tail and hind limbs orange. Reproduction: young born Jan-Feb, after a gestation period of about 3 months. Sexual maturity is reached at about 4½cm [SOURCE: Jewell, Sharell] |
| O. [C.] alani |
Robust Skink |
New Zealand (Island groups off North Island from Aupouri Peninsula to Bay of Plenty) |
Max SVL approx 14cm, TL 25½cm |
Robb describes this as a strong and aggressive skink that will often bite fiercely and occasionally draw blood. Strongly nocturnal, spending the day in seabird burrows, under rocks or bushes on the steep slopes of its island homes. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: ??. Ventral scalation: ??. Other: tail tapers abruptly from very thick base. Coloration: dorsally coppery to dark brown with noticeable pale spots and grey flecking; narrow dorsolateral pale brown to copper stripe (sometimes edged with black), especially above shoulder; laterally grey to grey-brown or olive-brown, sometimes flushed with yellow, with darker and lighter flecks; labials have alternating black/white denticulate pattern; ventrally, throat grey and flecked with black, belly uniform cream to yellow. Reproduction: young born Jan-Feb.[SOURCE: Jewell, Robb] |
| O. chloronoton |
Green Skink |
New Zealand (South Otago, Southland, Stewart Island and adjacent islands) |
TL approx 20cm, SVL 10cm |
Once considered synonymous with L. lineoocellatum. A diurnal skink with a preference for areas suitable for basking but with good ground cover [Robb]. Habitat includes tussock, wetlands, scrub and herbfields, where it lives among dense vegetation or rocks in groups of 1-2 adults and several generations of young [Jewell]. The Stewart Island form is less abundant on Stewart Island itself than on neighbouring islands. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower half of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3 (sometimes 4) postoculars; 7 (sometimes 8) supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-4 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which 1st is largest, and of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd or sometimes just 2nd supralabial, and posterior contacts 2nd & (usually) 3rd supralabial; 7 (sometimes 8) supralabials, of which 6th, 7th or 8th largest; 6-7 infralabials, of which 3rd, 4th or 5th largest; 5th supralabial below centre of eye; 2 postlabials; 1-2 primary temporals, 2 secondary and 1-3 (usually 2) tertiary; 5-8 upper ciliaries, 9-12 lower; 5-7 suboculars, of which 3rd & 4th separated by 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger or smaller than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: smooth, 28-34 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 66-80 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales enlarged; ear opening moderately small, sometimes with projecting granules on anterior margin; snout moderately blunt; 16-24 subdigital lamellae, smooth; long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: Robb gives the following details: broad dorsal band on head and trunk of dark iridescent green with scattered two-tone flecks of black and pale green; irregular dorsolateral band broken up by paler streaks from above and below; ventrally grey, sometimes with a few dark spots, especially below head and neck. Jewell distinguishes between three colour forms: Stewart Island, Southland and Otago, the first of these being more robust and the last the more slender than the Southland. See Jewell for details. Reproduction: litter of up to 1-4 born in late summer (March). [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. fallai |
Falla's Skink, Three King's Skink |
New Zealand (Three Kings Island) |
TL approx 30cm/12" (SVL approx 14cm/5½") |
Diurnal skink, fond of basking. Found among low-growing vegetation and herbage on lower slopes, also in coastal forest. Diet includes not only insects and crustaceans but sometimes partly digested fish regurgitated by young gannets and also plant berries. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower half of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, usually as long as or shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3-4 postoculars; 7-9 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-3 (usually 1) pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals; 7-8 supralabials, of which 5th, 6th or 7th largest; 5-7 infralabials, of which 2nd, 3rd and 4th largest; 5th (usually) or 6th supralabial below centre of eye; 2 postlabials; 1-2 (sometimes 3) primary temporals; 9-12 upper ciliaries, 12-16 lower; 6-8 suboculars; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental as large as or sometimes larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: weakly striated, 40-66 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 88-102 rows. Other: preanal scales not enlarged; ear opening moderately small, with 1 or more projecting granules on anterior margin; 21-27 subdigital lamellae, smooth; tail relatively long, tapers to thin point from very thick base; long slender digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: dorsally and laterally various shades of brown; indefinite vertebral dark streak from back of head to base of tail; broader dark brown lateral band running just above line of limb insertions, notched along upper edge and breaking up below into dense pattern of brown and grey flecks; ventrally, grey or grey-cream with variable amount of dark brown or black flecks. Reproduction: litter of up to 4 young born Jan-Feb. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. gracilicorpus |
? |
New Zealand (Hokianga area of Northland) |
TL approx 23cm/11" (SVL approx 9½cm/3¾") |
Closely related to O. homalonotum, possibly extinct. |
| O. grande |
Grand Skink |
New Zealand (Otago) |
TL 22cm, SVL 10cm |
One of New Zealand's largest skinks, but unfortunately critically endangered with a very small range. Former subspecies otagensis and waitamense have been raised to full specific status. Jewell distinguishes between western and eastern forms. This species is found among rocks in scrubland and tussock grassland. It is diurnal and an enthusiastic basker. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower half of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3 postoculars; 8-10 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-3 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which 2nd is largest or of equal size, and of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd or sometimes just 2nd supralabial, and posterior contacts 2nd & 3rd (& sometimes 4th) supralabial; 8-10 supralabials, of which 7th, 8th or 9th largest; 7-9 infralabials, of which some combination of 3rd-6th is equal largest; 7th or 8th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-2 postlabials; 1-2 primary temporals, 2-4 secondary and 2-3 tertiary; scales in temporal region occasionally fragmented; 9-10 upper ciliaries, 12-14 lower; 7-8 suboculars, of which 3rd & 4th or 4th & 5th separated by 7th or 8th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: smooth, 40-51 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 91-112 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales sometimes enlarged; ear opening moderately small, sometimes with projecting granules on anterior margin; snout moderately blunt; 25-28 subdigital lamellae, smooth; long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd shorter than 4th. Coloration: normally overall dark brown to black, with cream streaks, which may join to form longitudinal lines; ventrally greenish grey. See Jewell for coloration details of the two forms. Reproduction: no details available. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. [C.] hardyi |
Hardy's Skink |
New Zealand (Poor Knights islands) |
Max SVL approx 5½cm |
Found in forest, shrubland and above the shoreline. Scalation details: subocular scales interrupted. Dorsal scalation: ??. Ventral scalation: ??. Other: ??. Coloration: dorsally brown with prominent pale spots and dark flecking; narrow dorsolateral pale brown to copper stripe (sometimes edged below with black), especially above shoulder; laterally grey to grey-brown, with darker and lighter flecks; labials have alternating black/white denticulate pattern; ventrally, throat grey and flecked with black, belly uniform cream to yellow. Reproduction: ??. [SOURCE: ??] |
| O. homalonotum |
Chevron Skink |
New Zealand (Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier Island) |
SVL approx 14¼cm |
Diurnal but cryptic skink, does sunbask. Inhabits margins of streams in native forest and may also be arboreal [Jewell]. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower half of nasal; nasal divided by suture from posterior edge to nostril; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first 2 supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3-4 postoculars; 7-8 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-4 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd or only 2nd supralabials, and posterior with 2nd or 2nd & 3rd; 7 supralabials, of which 6th or 7th largest; 5-6 infralabials, of which usually 5th largest; 5th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-2 postlabials; 1 primary temporals, 1-2 (usually 2) secondary and 1-2 (usually 2) tertiary; 7-9 upper ciliaries, moderately enlarged, 10-12 lower; 6-8 suboculars, of which 2nd & 3rd or 3rd & 4th separated by 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: striated, 28-30 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 76-85 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales enlarged; snout moderately blunt; 18-23 subdigital lamellae, smooth; tail relatively long, tapers to thin point from very thick base; long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd shorter than 4th. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. [Leiolopisma] inconspicuum |
Cryptic Skink |
New Zealand (South Island: Otago, Southland) |
SVL 7½cm |
? Also previously allocated to the genera Leiolopisma and Lygosomella. |
| O. infrapunctatum |
Speckled Skink |
New Zealand, North Island (Waikato, Wellington), Stephen Is, South Island (Nelson, Westland) |
Max TL 24cm, SVL approx 8-10½cm |
This species is diurnal, fond of basking but wary. It is found in relatively open areas in bush, often associated with petrel burrows, or in tussock country, among logs, stones and scree [Robb]. The forms from Stephens Island and Whale Island are somewhat distinctive in terms of size and differing scale counts [Hardy], and have since been referred to as O. newmani (from Stephens Island) or O. robinsoni (from Whale Island), although they are now considered variations rather than sub- or full species. Largest specimens are found on Stephen Islands, those from elsewhere being smaller, especially those from Whale Island. Other forms have been raised by Jewell to specific status, including the Cobble Skink, Crenulate Skink, Papuroa Skink and Chesterfield Skink. Scalation details: nostril centred just below middle of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals sometimes meet on midline, separating frontal from frontonasal; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3 postoculars; 7- 8 (rarely 9) supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-5 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which either is largest, and of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd supralabial, and posterior contacts 2nd & 3rd supralabial; 7-8 (sometimes 9) supralabials, of which 6th or 7th largest; 5-6 infralabials, of which 4th or 5th largest; 5th or 6th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-2 postlabials; 1 primary temporals 2 secondary and 2-3 tertiary; 7-10 upper ciliaries, 9-14 lower; 5-7 suboculars, of which 3rd & 4th or 4th & 5th separated by 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: feebly striated, 29-37 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 70-89 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales slightly enlarged; ear opening round, moderately large, with 1 or more granules on anterior margin; snout relatively blunt; 18-28 subdigital lamellae, smooth; moderately long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: Robb considered this fairly regular despite other variations within the species and gave details as follows: dorsally olive green with small dark flecks; dorsolateral broad broken band of red-brown from level of eye running above insertion of limbs; indefinite narrow line between limbs; ventrally yellow with scattered black spots. Jewell describes the dorsum as mid to dark brown and gives a wider range of ventral coloration: throat grey, belly grey or yellow to vivid pinkish orange, usually heavily flecked or spotted with black but sometimes immaculate in specimens from Westland. Reproduction: no details given. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. [C.] levidensa |
Slight Skink |
New Zealand (upper Aupouri Peninsula, North Island, poss. also islands) |
Max SVL approx 5cm |
Smallest native skink of New Zealand. Mainland habitat is now mainly restricted to forest floor, but on islands occupies variety of habitat including coastline. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: ??. Ventral scalation: ??. Other: ??. Coloration: dorsally uniform brown or with darker middorsal stripe and/or darker and lighter flecks; narrow cream or copper dorsolateral stripe, sometimes edged with black, especially above shoulder; labials have black/white denticulate pattern; ventrally, uniform cream yellow, throat grey with black speckling. Reproduction: ??. [SOURCE: Jewell] |
| O. [C.] lichenigera |
Lord Howe and Norfolk Island Skink |
Australia (Lord Howe and Norfolk Islands plus outliers) |
SVL 8cm, TL 16cm |
Abundant on offshore islands but no longer so on Lord Howe Island itself. Cogger suggests apparently diurnal in winter, but nocturnal (and very active) in summer around the shoreline and above it. Scalation details: suture between rostral and frontonasal much narrower than frontal; 7 supraciliaries; frontoparietals paired. Dorsal scalation: smooth, 36-46 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: ??. Other: 15-21 subdigital lamellae. Coloration: dorsally metallic-bronze or olive, either uniform or more usually with numerous small brown flecks or longitudinal streaks; head may be spotted in brown on top; pale golden dorsolateral stripe usually present, running from eye to tailbase and bordered below by wide dark brown dorsolateral area that usually encloses irregular dark brown spots and darker brown flecks; lower flanks pale brown with dark flecks, merging into ventral coloration; ventrally white or lemon-yellow; throat white or grey, usually with some dark greyish-brown flecks; limbs dorsally variegated with shades of brown; regenerated tail reddish-brown. Reproduction: no details available. [SOURCE: Cogger] |
| O. lineoocellatum |
Spotted Skink |
New Zealand (south North Island, South Island southwards to mid Canterbury, offshore islands) |
Max TL approx 19cm, max SVL 9cm |
Includes the lizards formerly assigned to Leiolopisma festivum [Robb]. This is a widely distributed skink found in a variety of habitats, including coastal and inland. Robb states that preferred habitat is rough open tussock ground with shelter in the form of stones and logs. On Stephens Island it lives in seabird burrows. It is diurnal and a sunbasker. Despites its wide range, is very shy and porone to retreat. Scalation details: nostril centred in lower middle of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3-4 (usually 3) postoculars; 6-7 (usually 7) supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 0-5 pairs of nuchals, of which occasionally 1st pair may be fragmented; 2 loreals, of which either is largest, and of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd or just 2nd supralabial, and posterior contacts 2nd & 3rd supralabial; 7-8 (usually 7) supralabials, of which 5th, 6th, 7th or 8th largest; 5-7 infralabials, of which 3rd, 4th or 5th largest; 5th or (usually) 6th supralabial below centre of eye; 2 postlabials; 1 primary temporal, 2-3 (usually 2) secondary and 1-3 (usually 2) tertiary; 6-9 upper ciliaries, 8-11 lower; 5-7 suboculars, of which 2nd & 3rd or 3rd & 4th separated by 5th (usually) or 6th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental usually larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: smooth, 29-39 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 74-99 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales sometimes enlarged; ear opening round, moderately large, usually with 1 or more granules on anterior margin; snout blunt; 18-27 subdigital lamellae, smooth; long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: dorsally olive green or brown, with scatttered flecks of either pale green and black or white and black; lateral broad band of dark brown, marked with small white spots; dorsolateral pale yellow or golden line, most marked on anterior part of body; ventrolateral zone of pale white flecks; limbs dorsally brown with white spots; ventral surfaces of body and limbs immaculate grey or reddish. Reproduction: usually 4 young born February-March, about half the length of the parent. [SOURCES: Jewell, Robb]. |
| O. longipes |
Long-Toed Skink |
New Zealand (inland South Island, Marlborough and Canterbury) |
SVL approx 7½cm" |
??. |
| O. maccanni |
McCann's Skink |
New Zealand (inland South Island, from Southland to Canterbury) |
SVL approx 7¼cm" |
|
| O. [C.] macgregori |
McGregor's Skink |
New Zealand (offshore islands of North Island only) |
Max SVL approx 11¼cm, TL 22cm |
Jewell states this species has suffered greatly from the introduction of mammalian predators, being once widespread on North Island but now confined to a few offshore islands that are widely separated. Its activity is crepuscular. Habitat is leaf litter on the floor of coastal forest but also in the vicinity of sea bird colonies, where it forages for insects among their nests and burrows. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: ??. Ventral scalation: ??. Other: triangular head [Robb]. Coloration: dorsally light to dark brown, either uniform or with elongated paler and darker streaks; no dorsolateral stripe, but irregular dark marking outlined in white above shoulder; whitish "teardrop" marking outlined in black below eye; lacks characteristic denticulate labial pattern of other Cyclodina skinks; laterally grey-brown with small pale streaks and blotches, often edged with black; ventrally, throat cream, usually with some dark flecking, belly yellowish, to pink, sometimes with dark flecking. Reproduction: litters of 2 (possibly more?) born February-March. [SOURCE: Jewell, Robb] |
| O. microlepis |
Small-Scaled Skink |
New Zealand, North Island (Taupo) |
?" |
Described in 1990: see JCVI/TIGR database entry for details. |
| O. moco |
Moko Skink |
New Zealand (North Island from Bay of Plenty northwards, mainly found on offshore islands) |
TL 16½cm, SVL approx 6¾cm, up to 7¼cm |
A coastal species, found sometimes on mainland but more usually on islands. A fast-moving diurnal skink. Scalation details: nostril situated low down near middle bottom of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first 2 supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3 postoculars; 7-8 (sometimes 9) supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-3 (sometimes 4-5) pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which either may be larger, anterior contacts 2nd and (usually) 1st supralabials, and posterior 2nd & (usually) 3rd; 7 supralabials, of which 5th, 6th or 7th largest; 5-7 (usually 6) infralabials, of which 3rd, 4th or (usually) 5th largest; 5th supralabial below centre of eye; 2 postlabials; 1 primary temporal, 2 secondary and 1-3 (usually 2) tertiary; 7-10 upper ciliaries, 10-13 lower; 5-7 suboculars, of which 3rd and 4th or 2nd and 3rd separated by 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: striated, 28-37 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 66-83 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; ear opening round, relatively small, with 1 or more projecting granules on anterior margin; preanal scales sometimes enlarged; snout relatively pointed; tail long, tapering finely; 17-25 subdigital lamellae, smooth; long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: Robb calls the species variable in this respect. Overall copper or olive-brown; dark vertebral line (double in some individuals) usually present, flanked either side by wide area of copper or olive-brown; narrow pale dorsolateral stripe running from snout to base of tail; lateral stripe running from nostril to groin; both these stripes edged by fine dark line, and between them is a wide brown band which may be plain, speckled or broken into blotches; each of these linear markings may have straight or notched edges; distinctive X-mark on top of head between the eyes may be present in some specimens; ventrally very pale grey or cream, occasionally with dark specks in long rows. Occasionally specimens may be blackish; Robb notes that two black specimens found among black rocks were kept in captivity for over a year, during which time they slowly reverted to the normal colour. Reproduction: [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. nigriplantare |
Chatham Island Skink |
New Zealand (Chatham Islands, but not the main island) |
Max SVL approx 9¾cm |
Formerly considered two species, Leiolopisma dendyi and L. turbotti. Reproduction: 1-4 young per litter, February-March. |
| O. [C.] northlandi |
Northland Skink |
New Zealand (Northland) |
|
Extinct species from late Holocene: see JCVI reptile database. |
| O. notosaurus |
Southern Skink |
New Zealand (Stewart Island south of South Island) |
Avg SVL approx 7½cm, max SVL 9cm |
|
| O. [C.] oliveri |
Oliver's Skink |
New Zealand (Poor Knights Islands) |
Max SVL approx 11½cm |
A nocturnal skink with a low level of heat tolerance and rarely seen basking. It is partially vegetarian, including berries of coprosoma and native pepper in its diet. Normal habitat is forest floor, which receives little light, but it may also shelter in bird burrows. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: 37-44 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: 88-97. Other: ??. Coloration: dorsally brown or olive-brown, either uniform or with indistinct mottling paler and darker streaks; no dorsolateral stripe; pale "teardrop" marking outlined in black below eye, often as part of black and white denticulate labial pattern; laterally grey-brown with pale blotches and blackish dorsolateral marking on neck to blackish with paler blotches; ventrally, cream, grey or brown, throat with some dark markings, belly usually with dark spots. Reproduction: young born early summer?. [SOURCE: Jewell, Robb] |
| O. [C.] ornata |
Ornate Skink |
New Zealand (North Island and outlying islands except Poor Knights Island or Three Kings Islands) |
SVL approx. 6½-8¼ cm |
Similar in distribution, habitat and frequency to C. aenea. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: 28-34 at midbody. Ventral scalation: 60-79. Other: 15-23 subdigital lamellae. Coloration: dorsally uniform brown to grey-brown or with many small black-edged blotches; dorsolateral pale straight or wavy stripe edged beneath with black may be present, especially above shoulder; individuals from Aupouri Peninsula may extensions of this characteristic running back and down from head to front limbs; characteristic white or yellow "teardrop" marking edged with black below eye; lacks characteristic denticulate labial pattern of other Cyclodina skinks; laterally brown, red-brown or grey-brown, with darker and lighter flecks; ventrally, throat cream to reddish, with heavy blackish flecking, belly yellowish, sometimes suffused with red, black spots may be present. Reproduction: young born Jan-Feb. [SOURCE:Jewell] |
| O. otagense |
Otago Skink |
New Zealand (Canterbury, Otago, South Island) |
Max TL 25cm, max SL 12cm" |
Shy diurnal sunbasker, found among rocky outcrops. Coloration: overall glossy metallic black or dark brown, with irregular yellow, cream or green-yellow blotches; ventrally pale grey, with scattered dark spots in particular in front of the level of the forelimbs. Reproduction: mating occurs in April; up to 3 (but usually 2) young born January-February. |
| O. [C.] pachysomaticum |
Marbled Skink |
New Zealand (Alderman and Mercury Island groups off Coromandel Peninsula, North Island) |
SVL ??cm |
Considered synonymous with C. oliveri by JCVI reptile database, after most authorities including Hardy (1977) and Chapple et al (2009), but described by Robb in 1975 and included by Jewell: the latter states that the black area on the neck is usually more extensive than in C. oliveri. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: 32-36 at midbody. Ventral scalation: 72-88 rows. Other: ??. Coloration: dorsally brown, usually with conspicuous light and dark flecking; dorsolateral pale straight or wavy stripe edged beneath with black may be present, especially above shoulder; characteristic pale "teardrop" marking edged with black below eye, often forming part of black and white denticulate labial pattern; laterally grey-brown, with paler flecks which are usually outlined in black, and with a dark brown or black area on the upper side of the neck; ventrally, cream, grey or brown, throat densely speckled with black, belly lightly or heavily so. Reproduction: 2-4 young born March-April. [SOURCE: Jewell, Robb] |
| O. pikitanga |
Sinbad Skink |
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| O. smithi |
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New Zealand (NE coasts of North Island plus offshore islands) |
TL 15½cm, max SVL 8cm |
A mainly coastal skink, living under piles of driftwood and seawood or on rocks above the high water mark, but also found in pasture or waste land adjacent to the shore [Robb]. Jewell calls the species "variable". It is strongly diurnal and likes to bask. The former subspecies L. s. numerale is no longer considered valid. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower middle of nasal; postnasals occasionally formed by sutures from nostril to posterior and ventral margins of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first 2 supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3-4 postoculars; 7-9 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-5 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which 1st usually larger, anterior contacts 1st (usually) & 2nd supralabials, and posterior 2nd & 3rd; 7-8 (usually 7) supralabials, of which 6th or 7th largest; 5-6 infralabials, of which 5th (usually) or 6th largest; 5th (usually) or 6th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-2 (usually 2) postlabials; 1-2 (usually 1) primary temporals, 2-3 (usually 2) secondary and 1-3 tertiary; 7-10 upper ciliaries, 9-12 lower; 5-8 suboculars, of which 3rd and 4th or 2nd and 3rd separated by 5th (usually) or 6th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental as large as or larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: striated, 32-40 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 74-100 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; ear opening round or oval, small, with 1 or more projecting granules on anterior margin; preanal scales sometimes enlarged; snout pointed; 14-22 subdigital lamellae, smooth; moderately long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd shorter than 4th. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. stenotis |
Small-Eared Skink |
New Zealand (Stewart Island, south of South Island) |
?" |
??. |
| O. striatum |
Striped Skink |
New Zealand, North Island (Taranaki, King Country, Rotorua) |
TL 15½cm, SVL 7½cn |
Known in older literature (eg Robb) as Leiolopisma latilinearum. Slender-bodied skink found in the vicinity of rotting logs, either on the forest floor or in hill pastures. It is diurnal. Robb notes that the adults appear particularly tolerant of juveniles, with the effect that "family groups" tend to build up in areas where relocating to new homes is more difficult, these groups numbering up to 10 animals [Jewell]. Coloration: coppery brown vertebral band flecked with fawn, flanked either side by broad fawn stripe running from eye on to tail; less distinct lateral fawn band at level above insertion of limbs; ventrally off-white or cream, desnely spotted with dark brown or black. Reproduction: 3-8 young born February-March. [SOURCES: Hardy, Robb] |
| O. suteri |
Diving Skink, Suter's Skink, Egg-Laying Skink |
New Zealand (east coast of North Island from Three Kings Island to Coromandel Peninsula, mainly present on islands inc. islands in inner and outer Hauraki Gulf and The Aldermen Islands) |
SVL approx 7-12½cm |
The only egg-laying lizard in New Zealand. Scalation details: nostril situated just below middle of nasal; nasal divided by suture from posterior edge to nostril; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, longer or shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first 2-3 supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd or 3rd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3-4 postoculars; 7-9 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-4 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which anterior contacts 1st & 2nd supralabials, and posterior 2nd & 3rd; 6-7 (usually 7) supralabials, of which 5th or 6th largest; 5-6 infralabials, of which 3rd, 4th or 5th largest; 4th or (usually) 5th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-3 (usually 2) postlabials; 1 primary temporals, 2 secondary and 1-3 tertiary; 7-9 upper ciliaries, 9-12 lower; 6-7 suboculars, of which 3rd and 4th separated by 4th or (usually) 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger or smaller than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: smooth, 30-40 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 90-111 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales sometimes enlarged; snout relatively pointed; 17-22 subdigital lamellae, smooth; tail relatively long, tapers to thin point from very thick base; moderately long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd usually shorter than 4th. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
| O. taumakae |
Open Bay Islands Skink |
New Zealand (Open Bay Islands off west coast of South Island) |
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| O. [C.] townsi |
Towns' Skink, Mokohinau Skink |
New Zealand (Mokohina- and Hen and Chicken islands groups, Great and Little Barrier Islands) |
SVL 9½cm |
This would appear to be the species described in Jewell as Cyclodina sp. 5. It is a forest floor dweller. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: 37-44 at midbody. Ventral scalation: 88-98. Other: ??. Coloration: dorsally brown, often with irregular light and dark flecking; dorsolateral pale straight or wavy stripe edged beneath with black may be present, especially above shoulder; characteristic pale "teardrop" marking edged with black below eye, forming part of black and white denticulate labial pattern; laterally grey-brown, with small paler spots which are usually outlined in black, and with a dark brown or black area above the shoulder; ventrally, cream or grey, throat densely speckled with black, belly lightly or heavily so. Reproduction: ??. [SOURCE: Jewell] |
| O. waimatense |
Scree Skink |
New Zealand (South Island, from inland Marlborough and Canterbury to north Otago) |
Max TL approx 30cm; SVL 9-11cm, max SL 12½cm? |
Formerly considered a subspecies of O. grande, and in captivity may hybridise with another former subspecies of O. grande, O. otagensis. Prefers dry rocky areas, including scree slopes, dry stream or river beds, tussock grass and shrubland, and sometimes bluffs. It is diurnal and a keen basker. Although it has a fairly large range, its density is patchy. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower half of nasal, sometimes touching bottom; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter or longer than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3 postoculars; 8-10 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-2 small scales sometimes inserted between parietals and nuchals; 1-3 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which 2nd is largest or of equal size, and of which anterior does not contact 1st or 2nd, and posterior contacts 3rd & 4th supralabial; 8-11 supralabials, of which some combination 3rd, 4th, 7th or 8th usually equal largest; 7-10 infralabials, of which 2nd, 3rd or 4th is largest; 7th or 8th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-2 postlabials; 1-2 primary temporals, 2-4 secondary and 2-3 tertiary; scales in temporal region occasionally fragmented; 8-11 upper ciliaries, 11-14 lower; 6-9 suboculars, of which series separated by 7th (usually) or 8th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields, but scales in chin region sometimes considerably fragmented. Dorsal scalation: smooth, 56-64 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 100-121 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales sometimes enlarged; ear opening moderately small, sometimes with projecting granules on anterior margin; snout moderately blunt; 25-28 subdigital lamellae, smooth; long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd shorter than 4th. Coloration: dorsally coppery to dark brown with noticeable pale spots and grey flecking; narrow dorsolateral pale brown to copper stripe (sometimes edged with black), especially above shoulder; laterally grey to grey-brown or olive-brown, sometimes flushed with yellow, with darker and lighter flecks; labials have alternating black/white denticulate pattern; ventrally, throat grey and flecked with black, belly uniform cream to yellow. Reproduction: young born Jan-Feb. [SOURCE: Hardy, Jewell, Robb]. |
| O. [C.] whitakeri |
Whitaker's Skink |
New Zealand (Wellington [see notes] and small islands off Coromandel Peninsula, North Island) |
SVL approx 8-10cm |
Fragmented in distribution: Wellington population apparently nearing extinction [Jewell]. Found in leaf litter on the forest floor or in rocky coastal scrub. Scalation details: ??. Dorsal scalation: ??. Ventral scalation: 84-99. Other: head deep set. Coloration: dorsally yellow- to dark brown, with dark and light flecking that may be obscure or prominent; characteristic pale "teardrop" marking edged with black below eye; lacks characteristic denticulate labial pattern of other Cyclodina skinks; laterally yellow, cream or brown, often heavily mottled with black especially in the neck region, to the degree that the animal may appear to be black with paler spots; ventrally, throat whitish grey with varying degrees of black flecking, belly yellow, either immaculate or with light degree of spotting, undersurfaces of hind limbs, cloaca and tail orange. Reproduction: 1-3 young born April. [SOURCE: Jewell] |
| O. zelandicum |
Brown Skink |
New Zealand (southern North Island, Taranaki and Wellington, and northern South Island, Nelson and northern Westland) |
SVL approx 6-7¼cm, max TL 14½cm |
Secretive diurnal inhabitant of densely vegetated and typical damp habitats, including forest, scrub, farmland and coastline [Jewell]. It may also be found in cleared areas where shelter (eg large stones, logs or debris) is available, or in overgrown gardens [Robb]. Scalation details: nostril situated in lower half of nasal; supranasals absent; rostral broader than deep; frontonasal broader than long; prefrontals not in contact on midline; frontal longer than broad, shorter than frontoparietal and interparietal combined, in contact with first two supraoculars; 4 supraoculars, of which 2nd largest; 2 preoculars, of which uppermost largest; 3-4 postoculars; 7-8 supraciliaries; frontoparietals distinct, larger than interparietal; 1-3 pairs of nuchals; 2 loreals, of which either is largest, and of which anterior contacts 2nd & sometimes 1st supralabial, and posterior contacts 2nd & (usually) 3rd supralabial; 7 supralabials, of which 6th or 7th largest; 5-6 infralabials, of which 3rd, 4th or 5th largest; 5th supralabial below centre of eye; 1-2 postlabials; 1 primary temporal, 2 secondary and 2-3 tertiary; 6-9 upper ciliaries, 9-12 lower; 5-7 suboculars, of which 3rd & 4th or 2nd & 3rd separated by 5th supralabial; mental broader but shallower than rostral; postmental as large as or larger than mental; 3 pairs of chinshields. Dorsal scalation: striated, 30-36 rows at midbody. Ventral scalation: smooth, in 66-86 rows. Other: transparent palpebral disc in lower eyelid, bordered below and at sides by small oblong granules; preanal scales enlarged; ear opening round, moderately large, with several projecting granules on anterior margin; snout moderately pointed; 16-23 subdigital lamellae, smooth; moderately long subcylindrical digits, of which 3rd as long as or shorter than 4th. Coloration: variable, but normally some shade of brown: dorsally fawn, olive or chocolate-brown, greyish or reddish tones sometimes being present; uniform or more often with dark or light flecks; indefinite dark vertebral stripe may be present, running from head to point of insertion of hind limbs; top of head may be plain or heavily marked with dark brown or black; straw-coloured dorsolateral line from behind eye to level of forelimb, thence breaking up into row of flecks; below this is an irregular fine dark brown or black line forming the upper border of a wide brown band which begins on the snout, passes through the eye and above the ear opening and limbs and ends on the tail; this band is notched on the upper edge and bordered below by a straw-coloured line which runs from eye to forelimb and then is broken up by light and dark flecks; ventrally cream white or pale yeloow, or may be suffused with orange-pink or red, especially posteriorly; throat grey, often flecked with black; forelimb has a fine straw-coloured line edged with dark brown on dorsal surface, this line appearing to be continous with the dorsolateral straw-coloured line when the limb is pressed against the body; similarly hind limb has broken line and pale flecks on dorsal surface which again match the body pattern at the same level; ventral surfaces of hands and feet are dark brown or black. Some individuals from coastline populations may be blackish. Reproduction: litter of 2-7 produced in January. [SOURCES: Hardy, Jewell, Robb] |
"Origin, diversification and systematics of the New Zealand skink fauna (Reptilia: Scincidae)", D G Chapple, P A Ritchie, C H Daugherty, Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution 52: 470-487, 2009.
"The New Zealand Scincidae (Reptilia: Lacertilia); a taxonomic and zoogeographic study", Graham S Hardy, New Zealand Journal of Zoology, 1977 vol 4 (now available online in PDF format). Thorough exposition of the then-known New Zealand species, recognising Cyclodina as a separate genus but still assigning Oligosoma species to Leiolopisma. We acknowledge our debt to this study for most of the scalation details for the species on this page.
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