About Oligosoma ornatum (Gray, 1843)
Oligosoma ornatum, commonly called the ornate skink, reaches a maximum snout–vent length of 84 mm (3.3 in) and a maximum weight of 11.5 g (0.41 oz). This species has a short snout, a teardrop-shaped marking beneath each eye, and black markings along its neck and shoulders. Individual ornate skinks vary in the shade of brown of their bodies and in their patterning. The population of ornate skinks living on Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands is morphologically distinct, with longer snouts, more slender bodies, and less contrasting underside surfaces. Specimens from the Northland Region may also have more distinct patterns and markings. Ornate skinks can be identified by the white or yellowish black-edged teardrop marking below each eye. They are also relatively larger than other visually similar species, such as the copper skink. Ornate skinks are widespread across the North Island of New Zealand, excluding the Hawkes Bay area. They can also be found on many offshore islands near the North Island, including Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands, Great Barrier Island, and Little Barrier Island. This species was once widespread across most of the North Island and on many offshore islands in the Hauraki Gulf and north of the Coromandel Peninsula. Habitat destruction and predation by introduced species have now reduced its range to scattered localities across the North Island as far south as Wellington, alongside populations on the Three Kings Islands, Great Barrier Island, and a small number of other offshore islands.
