Lava Lizards

Lava Lizards are the only lizards found on the Galapagos and can easily be distinguished from each other based on range as no two species co-inhabit the same islands. All ten species are endemic to the archipelago, with most being restricted to a single island. This being said, Lava-Lizzards are extremely common wherever they occur and can be found throughout the archipelago with the exception of Wolf, Darwin and Genovesa Islands. Both species and individuals within species differ significantly, but sexes are always distinguishable. Males are usually significantly larger than females and have pronounced dorsal crests, brown to orangish red boddies with fine black and white or black spots and largely black throats. In general, females lack or show significantly reduced dorsal crests and have overall brown bodies with red faces and throats. Juveniles resemble females, but lack red on their faces or throats.