Coordinator: Paul Barrett

Description: Back brown with an irregular series of large, pale, dark edged blotches with may extend onto sides. No prominent stripe along mid line of back. Sides yellowish grey with especially dark markings above the forelimbs. Yellow black edged 'teardrop' below each eye. Snout blunt, Eye large and dark. Undersurface usually yellowish. Body very thickset. Tail very thick at base; tapering abruptly. Limbs and toes short and stubby.

Size: Up to 142mm SVL. Weighs up to 60g. One of the three biggest New Zealand skinks.

Distribution: North Island only. Restricted to north eastern offshore islands.

Habitat: Low coastal forest, where the lizards live in and around seabirds' burrows and uder rocks and logs.

Habits: Nocturnal

Captive Program:

Associated Documents: