Microlophus albemarlensis
Microlophus albemarlensis, the Galápagos Lava lizard, also known as the Albemarle Lava lizard, is a species of Lava lizard. It is endemic to the Galápagos Islands, where it occurs on several islands in the western archipelago: the large islands Isabela, Santa Cruz, Fernandina, Santiago and Santa Fe, as well as several smaller islands: Seymour, Baltra, Plaza Sur, Daphne Major and Rábida. It is the most widespread of the Galápagos species of Microlophus, the others only occurring on single islands. Some authors however, consider populations on Santiago, Santa Cruz, and Santa Fe to be distinct species. The species is commonly attributed to the genus Microlophus but has been historically placed in the genus Tropidurus.
Image: Galápagos Lava Lizard 02 (cropped)
Image: Galápagos Lava Lizard 01 (crop)
Male from Santiago Island showing dark throat blotch
Male in threat display
Microlophus is a genus of tropidurid lizards native to South America. Around 20 species are recognized and 10 of these are endemic to the Galápagos Islands, where they are commonly known as lava lizards. The remaining, which often are called Pacific iguanas, are found in the Andes and along the Pacific coasts of Chile, Peru, and Ecuador.
Microlophus
Microlophus delanonis, male, endemic to Española Island, the Galápagos
Microlophus occipitalis in Peru