SOUTH ISLAND SKINKS OF THE GENUS OLIGOSOMA - DESCRIPTION OF OLIGOSOMA-LONGIPES N. SP. WITH REDESCRIPTION OF OLIGOSOMA-OTAGENSE (MCCANN) ANDOLIGOSOMA-WAIMATENSE (MCCANN)

Oligosoma longipes n. sp. is described on the basis of consistent morp hological variation from its nearest congeners. It is characterised by elongated digits, high scale counts, and a distinctive colour pattern . The complex and confused taxonomic history of O. otagense (McCann, 1 955) and O. waimatense (McCann, 1955) is reviewed, and new species des criptions are provided. Traditional taxonomic indicators such as scale counts do not allow complete discrimination between O. otagense and O . waimatense. However, they can be separated from each other by genera l body shape, colour pattern and habitat preferences.