Wildlifeof New Zealand
Northern Grass Skink
Skinks
Photo: Mark Tutty · CC BY-SA 4.0
Oligosoma polychroma
Basic stats
Habitat
North Island grassland, scrub and open forest edge
Range
North Island
Size
Snout–vent length up to about 75 mm
The northern grass skink is a widespread, variable skink of sunny North Island ground cover. It is brown or olive with pale stripes and dark flecking; colour varies substantially, reflected in the name polychroma.
It occurs through much of the North Island in grassland, scrub, gardens and open forest margins. It basks by day and rapidly retreats into dense grass, feeding on small invertebrates and fruit.
Northern Grass skink is Not Threatened (NZ Threat Classification). Sunny track edges, rough grass and low shrubs across the North Island frequently hold this species.
Quick answers
- What habitat does the Northern Grass Skink live in?
- North Island grassland, scrub and open forest edge
- Where is the Northern Grass Skink found?
- North Island
- How big is the Northern Grass Skink?
- Snout–vent length up to about 75 mm