[5] Individuals of the species vary in terms of the shade of brown on their bodies and patterning.

The population found on Manawatāwhi / Three Kings Islands is morphologically distinct, having longer snouts, more slender bodies, and less contrasting underside surfaces.

[5] Ornate skinks mate in spring, giving birth to between four and six individuals over summer, typically between January and February.

[8] In 2012 the Department of Conservation classified the ornate skink as At Risk under the New Zealand Threat Classification System.

It was judged as meeting the criteria for At Risk threat status as a result of it having a low to high ongoing or predicted decline.