The rainbow skink (Lampropholis delicata) is a small lizard introduced to New Zealand from Australia. Although smaller than native skinks, they do look very similar.
Rainbow skinks are able to reach high population densities in a relatively short time, potentially competing with our native lizard species for food, habitat and space.
Rainbow skinks were first recorded in Auckland during the 1960s, probably arriving accidentally in cargo. Since this time they have become widespread from Northland to Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, with outlying populations at Wanganui, Palmerston North and Foxton Beach. They are not known to be in the South Island.
If you suspect that you have found this pest in the South Island, call MPI Biosecurity New Zealand on 0800 80 99 66.
Rainbow skink adult. Photo copyright: Tony Whitaker. DOC USE ONLY.
Adult rainbow skink
Species information
Head of rainbow skink, showing scale patterns. Photo copyright: Tony Whitaker. DOC USE ONLY.
Head of rainbow skink, showing
scale patterns
Rainbow skinks are native to Australia. They are small lizards, measuring about 3-4 cm long from nose to hind legs excluding the long thin tail. The skink is brown or grey-brown with a dark brown stripe down each side, and an iridescent rainbow or metallic sheen when seen in bright light.
Although the adults are smaller than native skinks, they look very similar but can be easily distinguished with one distinctive feature.
Rainbow skinks have one large scale on the top of their head, whereas New Zealand native skinks have two smaller scales.
Rainbow skinks reproduce rapidly – laying up to eight eggs three times per year (more than five times as fast as most native lizards) and mature in less than half the time of native lizards. They can reach high population densities in a relatively short time, competing with native lizards and other native fauna for food and habitat, and and increasing predation pressure on native invertebrates.
By comparison, most New Zealand skinks are long lived and only breed once per year at most. Some don’t even start breeding until they are around five years old.
Rainbow skink scale patterns on head.
Rainbow skink scale patterns
Where they are found
Rainbow skinks prefer moist areas and are commonly found under vegetation, litter, rocks and logs.
They also thrive in urban areas, gardens, commercial areas, industrial sites, garden centres, and waste ground. These skinks will frequently enter freight and shipping containers.
Rainbow skinks are prolific breeders, and you may find communal nests of 20-100 small white eggs, 8-10 mm long, oval in shape, with a tough leathery shell. It is common for them to lay their eggs in the soil of potted plants.
Why they are a threat
Rainbow skinks are invasive pests that pose a threat to our rare native lizards. Rainbow skinks have already invaded other countries, for example Hawaii, where their impact has resulted in the serious decline of native skink species there.
Many of New Zealand’s approximately 35 native skink species are in decline, or, in some cases, have become locally extinct through introduced predators such as rats, cats, mustelids and hedgehogs. Rainbow skinks are yet another threat to our declining native lizard populations, by competing directly for food and habitat.
As the natural range of the rainbow skink includes the temperate climate of Tasmania they are well equipped to survive and spread throughout New Zealand and its offshore islands. Climate modelling suggests they would easily be able to establish in the South Island.
Rainbow skink. Photo copyright: Tony Whitaker. DOC USE ONLY.
Rainbow skink
DOC's work
DOC has worked closely with MPI Biosecurity New Zealand to declare rainbow skinks an Unwanted Organism. It is illegal to knowingly communicate (move); release, or cause to be released; spread; sell, or offer for sale; exhibit; or breed rainbow skinks without the explicit permission of MPI Biosecurity.
DOC is monitoring the distribution of rainbow skinks, and raising public awareness of how to limit the spread of this invasive species.
DOC undertakes surveillance of significant reserves and offshore islands to prevent them from entering these sites, many of which provide a safe haven for our rare and threatened native lizards.
You can help
Check for rainbow skinks and eggs when moving nursery trees, which have been known to carry them. Photo: Peter Brady.
Check for rainbow skinks and eggs when moving nursery trees, which have been known to carry them
If you live in an area that has rainbow skinks, and wish to relocate any equipment, goods, or other freight to an area that is free of this species; thoroughly check your personal belongings for rainbow skinks before departure.
Potting mix in potted plants is a favoured breeding habitat. Check these for any of the small white eggs, especially if plants are to be used in restoration projects, such as on off-shore islands or key ecosystems on the mainland.
Also, inform your neighbours and friends of the presence of rainbow skinks on your property and their threats and impacts.
Together we can prevent the rainbow skink from spreading.
If you see one outside of its known range, or suspect people of trading them as pets, call the 24 hour DOC hotline 0800 DOC HOT (0800 362 468) or MPI Biosecurity 0800 809 966 immediately.
If possible, take a photo to help with obtaining the correct identification.