Oligosoma roimata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Oligosoma roimata |
|
|---|---|
| Conservation status | |
 Range Restricted (NZ TCS) |
|
| Scientific classification | |
| Genus: |
Oligosoma
|
| Species: |
roimata
|
The Aorangi skink (Oligosoma roimata) is a special type of lizard. It belongs to the skink family. These small lizards are found only in New Zealand.
Where the Aorangi Skink Lives
The Aorangi skink is a very rare lizard. It lives only in one specific place in New Zealand. This special place is the Poor Knights Islands. These islands are off the east coast of the Northland region. The skink is known to live on Aorangi Island, which is one of the Poor Knights Islands.
Family Ties: Relatives of the Aorangi Skink
The Aorangi skink has some close relatives. Another skink called Oligosoma hardyi also lives on Aorangi Island.
The Aorangi skink is most closely related to the Oligosoma ornatum. The Ornate skink is a group of skinks that look a bit different from each other. Even though the Aorangi skink and the Ornate skink look very similar, they are different species. Scientists can tell them apart by looking at their DNA. Their DNA is about 8.7% to 9.8% different.
Before it was officially named, the Aorangi skink had a few informal names. People sometimes called it Cyclodina ornata "Poor Knights" or Oligosoma ornatum "Poor Knights Islands".
How to Spot an Aorangi Skink
It can be tricky to tell the Aorangi skink apart from its close relative, the Oligosoma ornatum. But there are a few key differences:
- Belly Color: The Aorangi skink has a white belly. The Ornate skink usually has a belly with different colors, but sometimes it can also be white or cream.
- Ear Size: The ear opening of the Aorangi skink is a little smaller than that of the Ornate skink.
- Size: Aorangi skinks are smaller. They grow to about 63 millimeters (about 2.5 inches) long from their snout to their vent (the opening near the tail). Ornate skinks are bigger, usually 80 to 85 millimeters (about 3.1 to 3.3 inches) long.
