The species was first described as Cyclodina townsi by David G. Chapple, Geoff B. Patterson, Dianne M. Gleeson and Charles H. Daugherty in 2008, who identified the species as being phylogenetically and morphologicaly distinct from the marbled skink.

[1] The specific name, townsi, is in honor of Kiwi herpetologist David Towns.

[4] O. townsi reaches a maximum snout-vent length of up to 95 mm (3.7 in).

[5][2] O. townsi occupies broadleaf forest and low scrub, usually found on boulder beaches covered in vines, leaf litter and scree.

[2] The species primarily eats insects, and will occasionally consume fruit.