McCann's Skink

McCann’s skink is a widespread eastern South Island species common in dry open habitats. Brown or grey upperparts have clean pale side stripes and a dark central stripe; its belly is plain pale rather than heavily speckled.

It ranges from Marlborough through Canterbury and Otago into Southland, from coast to alpine country. It basks on stones by day and eats insects, spiders and fruit, giving birth to live young.

McCann's skink is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Sunny rocks, dry grassland and river terraces across the eastern South Island are productive.