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DOI10.47051/TFQX6072 Published October 10, 2019. Updated January 19, 2024. Open access. Peer-reviewed.

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Isabela Lava-Lizard (Microlophus albemarlensis)

Reptiles of Ecuador | Sauria | Tropiduridae | Microlophus albemarlensis

English common names: Isabela Lava-Lizard, Galápagos Lava-Lizard.

Spanish common names: Lagartija de lava de Isabela, lagartija de lava de Galápagos.

Recognition: ♂♂ 30.5 cmMaximum distance from the snout to the tip of the tail. Snout–vent length=7.1 cm. ♀♀ 20.2 cmMaximum distance from the snout to the tip of the tail. Snout–vent length=7.0 cm..^1,2 Lava lizards differ from other lizards by having keeled scales on the tail, a skin fold above the shoulder, a raised mid-dorsal crest, and a conspicuously enlarged interparietal scale. Microlophus albemarlensis is the only lava lizard occurring on Isabela and Fernandina islands and on at least six of their surrounding islets. Males and females of this species differ from each other in size, shape, and coloration. Adult males are larger and are easily recognizable by their raised middorsal crest.¹ They also have a distinctive black throat. Adult females usually have bright orange cheek patch and a black mark at the shoulder level (Fig. 1).¹

Figure 1: Individuals of Microlophus albemarlensis from Galápagos, Ecuador: Tagus Cove, Isabela Island (); Punta Espinosa, Fernandina Island (). j=juvenile.

Natural history: Microlophus albemarlensis is a diurnal lizard that occurs in high densities in volcanic rock areas, dry shrublands, dry grasslands, deciduous forests, introduced vegetation, and urban areas.¹ Isabela Lava-Lizards bask, forage, and move on soil, rocks, and trunks up to 5.6 m above the ground.¹ They move into the shade to avoid the hottest hours of the day, sitting on surfaces that have not been heated by the sun. At night, they remain hidden among rocks, beneath soil, and under leaf-litter.¹ The diet is omnivorous and includes roaches, grasshoppers, flies, crabs, fruits, and seeds.^1–6 When threatened, Isabela Lava-Lizards flee into crevices. If captured, they may shed the tail and bite.¹ There are recorded instances of predation on members of this species, including by cats⁷ and snakes (Pseudalsophis occidentalis).⁸ Males defend their territories by performing pushup displays and fighting with other males.² Clutches consist 1–2 eggs.⁹

Conservation: Least Concern Believed to be safe from extinction given current circumstances..⁹ Microlophus albemarlensis is listed in this category because, although it is facing the threat of predation by feral cats,⁷ the species is widespread on both Isabela and Fernandina islands and has not been conclusively shown to have undergone population declines.⁹

Distribution: Microlophus albemarlensis is endemic to an area of approximately 4,820 km² in western Galápagos, Ecuador. Isabela Lava-Lizards occur on Isabela and Fernandina islands, as well as on at least six of their surrounding islets, including Cowley, Cuatro Hermanos, Las Tintoreras, Marielas Sur, Punta Mangle, and Tortuga (Fig. 2).

Figure 2: Distribution of Microlophus albemarlensis in Ecuador. The star corresponds to the type locality: Tagus Cove. See Appendix 1 for a complete list of the presence localities included in the map.

Etymology: The generic name Microlophus comes from the Greek words mikros (=small) and lophos (=crest).^10,11 The specific epithet albemarlensis refers to Isabela Island, previously known as Albemarle Island.¹

See it in the wild: Individuals of Microlophus albemarlensis can be seen year-round with almost complete certainty throughout their area of distribution, including most tourism sites on Isabela and Fernandina islands. The best time to look for, and photograph, Isabela Lava-Lizards is during the first hours after sunrise or right before sunset, when the lizards are active and approachable.

Authors: Alejandro Arteaga,^aAffiliation: Khamai Foundation, Quito, Ecuador. Gabriela Aguiar,^bIndependent researcher, Quito, Ecuador. and Juan M Guayasamin^cAffiliation: Universidad San Francisco de Quito, Quito, Ecuador.

Academic reviewers: Edgar Benavides,^dAffiliation: Yale University, New Have, USA. John Rowe,^eAffiliation: Alma College, Alma, USA. and Cruz Márquez^fAffiliation: University of Rome Tor Vergata, Rome, Italy.

Photographers: Jose Vieira^gAffiliation: Tropical Herping (TH), Quito, Ecuador.^,hAffiliation: ExSitu, Quito, Ecuador. and Frank Pichardo^gAffiliation: Tropical Herping (TH), Quito, Ecuador.

How to cite? Arteaga A, Aguiar G, Guayasamin JM (2024) Isabela Lava-Lizard (Microlophus albemarlensis). In: Arteaga A, Bustamante L, Vieira J (Eds) Reptiles of Ecuador: Life in the middle of the world. Available from: www.reptilesofecuador.com. DOI: 10.47051/TFQX6072

Literature cited:

1. Arteaga A, Bustamante L, Vieira J, Tapia W, Guayasamin JM (2019) Reptiles of the Galápagos: life on the Enchanted Islands. Tropical Herping, Quito, 208 pp. DOI: 10.47051/AQJU7348
2. Clark DL, Macedonia JM, Gillingham JC, Rowe JW, Kane HJ, Valle CA (2016) Why does conspecific display recognition differ among species of Galápagos lava lizards? A test using lizard robots. Herpetologica 72: 47–54. DOI: 10.1655/HERPETOLOGICA-D-15-00040
3. Stebbins RC, Lowenstein JM, Cohen NW (1967) A field study of the lava lizard (Tropidurus albemarlensis) in the Galápagos Islands. Ecology 48: 839–851. DOI: 10.2307/1933742
4. Lewbart GA, Valle CA, Muñoz-Perez JP (2017) Microlophus indefatigabilis (Lava Lizard) diet. Herpetological Review 48: 851–852.
5. Carpenter CC (1970) Miscellaneous notes on Galápagos lava lizards (Tropidurus: Iguanidae). Herpetologica 26: 377–386.
6. Hervías-Parejo S, Heleno R, Rumeu B, Guzmán B, Vargas P, Olesen JM, Traveset A, Vera C, Benavides E, Nogales M (2018) Small size does not restrain frugivory and seed dispersal across the evolutionary radiation of Galápagos lava lizards. Current Zoology 65: 353–361. DOI: 10.1093/cz/zoy066
7. Konecny MJ (1987) Food habits and energetics of feral house cats in the Galápagos Islands. Oikos 50: 24–32. DOI: 10.2307/3565398
8. Merlen G, Thomas RA (2013) A Galápagos ectothermic terrestrial snake gambles a potential chilly bath for a protein-rich dish of fish. Herpetological Review 44: 415–417.
9. Márquez C, Yánez-Muñoz M, Cisneros-Heredia DF (2016) Microlophus albemarlensis. The IUCN Red List of threatened species. Available from: www.iucnredlist.org. DOI: 10.2305/IUCN.UK.2016-1.RLTS.T177934A1499883.en
10. Frost DR (1992) Phylogenetic analysis and taxonomy of the Tropidurus group of lizards (Iguania: Tropidurudae). American Museum Novitates 3033: 1–68.
11. Peters WCH (1871) Über einige Arten der herpetologischen Sammlung des Berliner zoologischen Museums. Monatsberichte der Königlichen Preussische Akademie des Wissenschaften zu Berlin 1871: 644–652.

Appendix 1: Locality data used to create the distribution map of Microlophus albemarlensis in Ecuador (Fig. 2). Go to the section on symbols and abbreviations for a list of acronyms used. Asterisk (*) indicates type locality.

Country	Province	Locality	Source
Ecuador	Galápagos	Alcedo Volcano, SW rim	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Antonio Gil	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Bahía Elizabeth	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Bahía Urvina	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cabo Albemarle, 6 km W of	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cabo Douglas	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cabo Douglas–Punta Espinosa	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cabo Hammond	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cabo Marshall	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cabo Rosa	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Caldera de Alcedo	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Caleta San Pedro	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Caleta Webb	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Campamento Copiano	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Campamento Copiano, 2 km S of	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cape Berkeley, environs of	Fritts and Fritts 1982
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cartago Bay	Kizirian et al. 2004
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cartago Bay, 6 NW of	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cazuela	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cerro Azul	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cerro Ballena	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cerro Barahona	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cinco Cerros	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Crater of Sierra Negra	Van Denburgh and Slevin 1913
Ecuador	Galápagos	Cumbre de Cerro Azul	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	El Estero	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	El Mango, 5 km E of	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Estern base of Darwin Volcano	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Foot of Wolf Volcano (from Banks Bay)	Fritts and Fritts 1982
Ecuador	Galápagos	Iguana Cove	Fritts and Fritts 1982
Ecuador	Galápagos	Iguana Cove, 4 km S of	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Inland from Roca Unión	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Isla Cuatro Hermanos	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote Cowley	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote Crater Beagle 1	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote Crater Beagle 2	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote Crater Beagle 3	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote Las Tintoreras	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote Punta Mangle	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Islote South Marielas	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	La Cumbre volcano	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	La Cumbre, SE slope	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	La Playita	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Las Albacoras	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Lava flow going up Darwin Volcano	Fritts and Fritts 1982
Ecuador	Galápagos	Minas de Azufre	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Muro de las lagrimas	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Playa Tortuga Negra	Hervías-Parejo 2018
Ecuador	Galápagos	Puerto Bravo	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Puerto Villamil	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Albemarle	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Alfaro	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Espinosa	Kizirian et al. 2004
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Mangle	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Moreno	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Moreno	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Moreno, 5 km E of	iNaturalist; photo examined
Ecuador	Galápagos	Punta Vicente Roca	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Rim of Sierra Negra crater	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Tagus Cove, 2.4 km E of	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Tagus Cove*	Baur 1890
Ecuador	Galápagos	Tortuga islet (Brattle)	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Trail to Alcedo, km 1	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Trail to Alcedo, km 10	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Trail to Alcedo, km 2.4	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Trail to Alcedo, km 4.5	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Trail to Alcedo, km 7	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Trail to Muro de las Lágrimas	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Urbina Bay, 14 km SE of	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Villamil, 3 km N of	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Volcán Alcedo, western slopes	Benavides et al. 2009
Ecuador	Galápagos	Volcán Chico	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Volcán la Cumbre Rim, 4 km SE of	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Volcán Wolf	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Wolf Volcano, Camp 1	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Wolf Volcano, Camp 2	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Wolf Volcano, Camp 3	Arteaga et al. 2019
Ecuador	Galápagos	Wolf Volcano, northern rim	Arteaga et al. 2019

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