The species is currently not formally described, but was recognised as genetically distinct from Oligosoma smithi after a 2008 genetic study showed that the two populations diverged in the Late Pliocene, approximately 4,300,000 years ago.[1][2] The species common name, Tātahi, refers to a Māori language word for the beach.[3] The interim scientific name was standardised as Oligosoma aff. smithi 'Three Kings, Te Paki, Western Northland' in 2014.[4]
Description
Tātahi skinks have a snout–vent length of up to 80 mm (3.1 in) but are typically smaller. The species has a pointed snout, and is highly variable in colour, but typically has gold or white flecks, and a prominent dark brown band that runs from its head to its tail.[3]
Tātahi skinks are morphologically very similar to Oligosoma smithi, and currently can only be distinguished as the two species' ranges do not overlap.[3]
Tātahi skinks are diurnal, often spending time sunbasking.[3] The skinks are thought to share a similar ecological niche to the closely related species Oligosoma smithi of the eastern Northland Peninsula.[1]
The species is omnivorous, feeding on coastal invertebrates, fruit, and likely shoreline-related carrion.[1]