The Otago green skink is named for the shimmering green band that runs the length of its back, from the nose to the tip of its tail. It’s natural habitat is wide, from the coast to sub-alpine areas, and it is found in tussock grassland, on alpine ridges, screes and eroding river terraces, usually among rock piles or areas with low-growing woody vegetation and shrubs. 

This iridescent skink loves to sun bask. However, it will always remain close to cover. It likes damp retreat sites, and will use the cover of dense vegetation, leaf litter or even burrows to move unseen between sun basking sites and safe retreats. It is active in the daytime, and feeds on invertebrates and soft fruit such as berries. 

It is a medium sized skink, and grows up to 110mm SVL. It has a more slender body than its neighbour, the Southland green skink, and a distinctively long head and slender snout. Its tail is longer than its body (SVL). The centre of its back has shades of often iridescent green or olive, with black flecking. This is bordered with a thinner band of pale brown or cream. Its sides are mostly black, heavily flecked with white or pale brown, and this graduates into pale grey-brown near its underside. Its eyes are dark brown and the soles of its feet are black.