Mabuya quinquetaeniata margaritifera, formerly a subspecies of Trachylepis quinquetaeniata (the five-lined mabuya, also known as the rainbow skink), was elevated to full species in 1998 (as Trachylepis margaritifera).

The coloration of this species is quite variable, depending on the gender and the age.

The basic colour is usually olive-brown or dark brown, sometimes with pearly whitish spots and with three light yellow-orange longitudinal stripes running from the head to the electric blue tail.

The head shows a pointed snout and clearly visible ears holes.

Legs are dark brown, short and strong, with relatively long toes.