Oligosoma suteri | NZHS

Length: SVLup to 126mm, with the tail being equal to or longer than the body lengthWeight: up to 26gramsDescriptionA large, and enigmatic skink, beautifully adapted to the rocky littoral habitats along the northeastern coastline of the North Island. This species, along with the Fiordland skink (Oligosoma acrinasum) are probably Aotearoa's most specialised coastal reptiles.This species is characterised by its light/golden brown to dark brown/black dorsal (upper) surfaces, which are often broken up by golden or black flecking and blotching. Vertical bands of black or dark brown blotching (which are often connected together) are concentrated along the upper edge of the lateral surfaces (sides), with the spaces in between being a mix of the dorsal colouration and the greyish tones of the lower lateral surface. The ventral (lower) surfaces are often grey, red, orange, or pink with black speckling/flecking. Occasionally individuals may be entirely black.Can be differentiated from the co-occu...