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Microlophus albemarlensis (male)
The males of this species grow bigger and heavier than females. This specimen was about 8cm long, excluding the tail. Base colour is brown/grey with black and white spots; the fronts legs have a yellowish tinge, while the back ones are more green/blue. The side of the neck has an orange patch and the throat has a black patch, which females lack. Scales are keeled and spiny, forming a spiny crest down the back.
Found on lava rocks at Darwin Research Station. This species is endemic to the Galápagos Islands.
Lava lizards belong to the Iguanidae family, being related to Iguanas. Some authors consider the Santa Cruz population to be a different species - Microlophus indefatigabilis.
Spotted on Apr 17, 2015
Submitted on Jun 18, 2017
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