Mokohinau skink explained
The Mokohinau skink (Oligosoma townsi), also known commonly as Towns' skink, is a species of lizard in the family Scincidae. The species is endemic to New Zealand.
Etymology
The specific name, townsi, is in honor of Kiwi herpetologist David Towns.[1]
Geographic range
In New Zealand O. townsi is found in the Northland area including Three Kings Islands, the Poor Knights Islands, and other offshore islands.[2]
Habitat
O. townsi occupies broadleaf forest and low scrub, usually amongst boulders and rock screes.
Reproduction and behaviour
O. townsi is viviparous and is believed to be nocturnal.
Description
O. townsi reaches a maximum body size of about 87mm snout-vent length (SVL).[3]
Further reading
- van Winkel D, Baling M, Hitchmough R (2019). Reptiles and Amphibians of New Zealand: A Field Guide. Auckland: Auckland University Press. 376 pp. .
Notes and References
- Beolens, Bo; Watkins, Michael; Grayson, Michael (2011). The Eponym Dictionary of Reptiles. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press. xiii + 296 pp. . (Cyclodina townsi, p. 267).
- . Origin, diversification, and systematics of the New Zealand skink fauna (Reptilia: Scincidae) . Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution . 52 . 2 . 470–87 . 2009 . 19345273 . 10.1016/j.ympev.2009.03.021. (Oligosoma townsi, new combination).
- Chapple DG, Patterson GB, Gleeson DM, Daugherty CH, Ritchie PA . Taxonomic revision of the marbled skink (Cyclodina oliveri, Reptilia: Scincidae) species complex, with a description of a new species . New Zealand Journal of Zoology . 35 . 2 . 129–146 . 2008 . 10.1080/03014220809510110. 83825602 . free . (Cyclodina townsi, new species).
