Plague skink

General description

Small brown lizard, with an iridescent, rainbow-like or metallic sheen to scales visible under bright light. Dark brown stripe along each side of their body, sometimes accompanied by a white stripe. Their bellies are a distinct pale silver or grey. Native to Australia.

Look for a large single diamond-shaped scale on top of the head. Note that native skinks have two smaller scales in this position. Unlike many native species, they are often seen basking in open areas such as decks, stones or near buildings during the day. Plague skinks are typically smaller than our native species.

What you need to know

To help protect our environment:

• You must not breed, distribute, release or sell any plague skink within the Auckland region.
• In the future, all commercial transport operators moving goods or people to or among Hauraki Gulf islands will need to have a Pest Free Warrant.
• Anyone intending to move a building to or among Hauraki Gulf islands must notify Auckland Council at least 10 working days prior to movement so that an inspection can be arranged.

Habitats

Disturbed habitats, urban areas, scrub, gardens, open rocky habitats and farmland.

Impact on environment

They eat a wide variety of invertebrates and breed easily, reaching high numbers quickly. This competition for food and space poses a threat to our native lizard species.

Control

Management

Before moving or transporting potted plants, check the soil for small white plague skink eggs. Check for stowaways when moving gear, vessels, goods or freight.

Find out more:

For more information about plague skinks and their management, visit our Pest Free Hauraki Gulf page or contact Auckland Council at pestfree@aucklandcouncil.govt.nz.