Oligosoma aeneum (Girard, 1858)

Taxonomy and Nomenclature

Copper skink, scientifically known as Oligosoma aeneum (Girard, 1858), is a species of skink in the family Scincidae that is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand.

Mainland Distribution

This skink occurs across most of the North Island, but is not found in large portions of the Hawkes Bay region.

Offshore Island Distribution

It also lives on many islands off the North Island coast, including Great Barrier Island and Little Barrier Island.

Habitat Range

The copper skink lives in a wide variety of habitats, ranging from forested areas and urban gardens to sand dune ecosystems and farm land.

Diet

Like many other skinks, it has a mostly carnivorous diet, feeding primarily on small insects and other small invertebrates.

Reproductive Mode

This species is viviparous.

Reproductive Cycle

Mating takes place in spring, and females give birth to between 3 and 7 relatively large offspring in late summer.

Activity Pattern

Copper skinks are mainly active during the daytime, and are occasionally active during twilight.