Lava Lizard
Scientific Name: Microlophus spp.
Type: Reptile
Size: 10 - 30 cm (vary on species)
Diet: Insectivores
Behaviour: Incredibly territorial
Status: Least concern
Facts
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Lava lizards communicate by bobbing their heads up and down to communicate over large distances, similar to other lizards.
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Each lava lizard species has a unique 'language' of bobs. Due to the isolation between species, they created different movements, and since some of the bobs are for finding a mate, the separation of species has prevented interbreeding.
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Male lava lizards are fiercely territorial, and can cover an area up to 400 m². They assert dominance by pushing themselves up and down, to make them seem bigger and stronger.
Archipelago Variation
Santa Cruz Lava Lizard
The Santa Cruz lava lizard has an orange tint on the underside of the head, and is a tan brown down its back
Isabela Lava Lizard
The Isabela lava lizard instead is spotted, with a lines running along the sides and countershading with a dark top and light underside
San Cristobal Lava Lizard
The San Cristobal lava lizard is darker than the other two, and instead has slightly darker spots and a spikier crest.