Length: SVL up to 110 mm, with the tail being longer than the body length

Weight: Unknown.

Description

A beautiful species of large skink in the green skink complex (Melzer et al. 2017) with a snout-vent-length (SVL) up to 110 mm.

Lakes skinks typically have a brown to green dorsal surface that is flecked with pale ocelli, which are often edged with black. This species also typically possesses cream to brown dorsolateral stripes and prominent brown lateral bands running from the snout to the rear legs. The ventral surface is typically uniform pale grey or white.

Life expectancy

Unknown.

Distribution

Found south of the Pukaki river in South Canterbury, throughout much of Western Otago (particularly the Southern Lakes District), and inland western Southland (e.g. Eyre Mountains and Tākitimu Mountains).

Ecology and habitat

Lakes skinks are a diurnal heliothermic species, however, they will often bask cryptically under vegetation. They are terrestrial/ saxicolous, and typically inhabit lowland or alpine tussock grassland, riverine debris (eroded stone), and screes/talus with woody vegetation (van Winkel et al. 2018; Jewell 2008). They are often associated with very damp basins and gullies. Lakes skinks feed on a variety of invertebrates and probably the berries and fruits of small plants.

Social structure

Unknown.

Breeding biology

Little is known about their reproductive behavior; however they are probably annual breeders (at least in lowland areas). Gravid females have also been reported in February (van Winkel et al. 2018).

Diet

Largely insectivorous, although presumably feeds on fruits and nectar sources. 

Disease

Unknown

Conservation strategy

This species is not currently being managed. 

Interesting notes

Lakes skinks are members of the green skink species complex. 'Green skinks' are a group of four closely-related species which are difficult to distinguish morphologically (based on appearance) and were originally regarded as one variable and widely distributed species - Oligosoma chloronoton (of which the Green skink / Southland green skink will retain the scientific name). Green skinks are regionally distributed from the Otago region through to Stewart Island. Other species include the Green skink / Southland green skink (Oligosoma chloronoton), Otago green skink (Oligosoma aff. chloronoton "Eastern Otago")and the Stewart Island green skink (Oligosoma aff. chloronoton "Stewart Island").

References

Chapple, D. G., Ritchie, P. A., & Daugherty, C. H. (2009). Origin, diversification, and systematics of the New Zealand skink fauna (Reptilia: Scincidae). Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 52(2), 470-487.

Greaves, S. N., Chapple, D. G., Gleeson, D. M., Daugherty, C. H., & Ritchie, P. A. (2007). Phylogeography of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum) and green skink (O. chloronoton) species complex (Lacertilia: Scincidae) in New Zealand reveals pre-Pleistocene divergence. Molecular phylogenetics and evolution, 45(2), 729-739.

Hitchmough, R., Barr, B., Knox, C., Lettink, M., Monks, J. M., Patterson, G. B., Reardon, J. T., van Winkel, D., Rolfe, J., & Michel, P. (2021). Conservation status of New Zealand reptiles, 2021. New Zealand threat classification series 35. Wellington: New Zealand Department of Conversation.

Jewell, T. (2008). A photographic guide to reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand. Auckland: New Holland.

Melzer, S. A., Bell, T., & Patterson, G. B. (2017). Hidden conservation vulnerability within a cryptic species complex: taxonomic revision of the spotted skink (Oligosoma lineoocellatum; Reptilia: Scincidae) from New Zealand. Zootaxa, 4300(3), 355-379.

Patterson, G. B., & Daugherty, C. H. (1995). Reinstatement of the genus Oligosoma (Reptilia: Lacertilia: Scincidae). Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 25(3), 327-331.

van Winkel, D., Baling, M., Hitchmough, R. 2018. Reptiles and amphibians of New Zealand – a field guide. Auckland university press, Auckland New Zealand.

Worthy, T. H. (1998). Quaternary fossil faunas of Otago, South Island, New Zealand. Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand, 28(3), 421-521.