The species was first described in 1906 as Lygosoma suteri by George Albert Boulenger based on a single specimen from Great Barrier Island identified by Henry Suter.

[6] Juveniles of the species can be mistake for O. smithi, but can be identified by O. suteri having glossier scales and prominent brows.

[6] The species inhabits the coast, often very close to the water, eating mainly intertidal amphipods that in turn subsist on dead seaweed.

(The egg-laying rainbow skink, Lampropholis delicata, is present in some parts of New Zealand, but is introduced from Australia).

[1] Females dig nests and lay eggs under sand, pebbles or boulders from late December to mid February.