Copper skink
A species of Oligosoma Scientific name : Oligosoma aeneum Genus : Oligosoma
Copper skink, A species of Oligosoma
Scientific name: Oligosoma aeneum
Genus: Oligosoma
Content
Description General Info
Description
The copper skink (Oligosoma aeneum) is a skink of the family Scincidae that is endemic to the North Island of New Zealand.
General Info
Lifespan
12-20 years
Diet
Copper skink predominantly subsists on a varied diet of small invertebrates, with arachnids and insects such as beetles, spiders, and weta forming a notable proportion of its intake. Occasionally, copper skink also consumes snails and millipedes.
Appearance
Copper skink is a small, slender skink with glossy, smooth, metallic bronze to olivaceous skin. Its angular head, elongated body and tapering tail differentiate it. Highly variable in color, it can display faint longitudinal stripes or scattered pale spots. Males and females appear similar, but younger specimens may have brighter patterns. Its dark, piercing eyes are an additional characteristic.
Behavior
Copper skink is primarily diurnal, partaking in sun-basking and hunting small invertebrates. Its solitary nature is evident in its territorial behavior, defending its area fiercely from conspecifics. It relies on its cryptic coloration as a primary form of defense in its native grassland and shrubland habitats.
Population
Stable
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Lizards and snakes Family
Skinks Genus
Oligosoma Species
Copper skink