The species is endemic to the Canary Islands.

The natural habitats of C. viridanus are temperate forest, temperate shrubland, subtropical or tropical dry shrubland, Mediterranean-type shrubby vegetation, temperate grassland, rocky areas, rocky shores, sandy shores, arable land, pastureland, rural gardens, and urban areas.

[1] C. viridanus may reach a total length (including tail) of about 18 cm (7.1 in).

Both its life in nature and its requirements in a terrarium are very similar to those of the Gran Canaria skink.

[2] C. viridianus is found on the following Canary Islands: Tenerife, El Hierro, Roque de Garachico, and Roques de Anaga.