San Cristobal Lava Lizard
Microlophus bivittatus
Silhouette: Kurtis Wothe and Giovanna Sainz · PhyloPic
- KingdomAnimalia (Animals)
- PhylumChordata (Chordates)
- ClassSquamata
- FamilyTropiduridae (Neotropical Ground Lizards)
- GenusMicrolophus (Pacific Iguanas)
- SpeciesMicrolophus bivittatus (San Cristobal Lava Lizard)
About the San Cristobal Lava Lizard
Microlophus bivittatus, the San Cristóbal lava lizard, is a species of lava lizard endemic to San Cristóbal Island in the Galápagos Islands. The species is commonly attributed to the genus Microlophus but has been attributed to the genus Tropidurus. They are currently under threat by invasive cats on the island. The lizard is also closely related to the Microlophus occipitalis which radiated off of the bivittatus.
Lava lizards have a breeding ritual where males will compete via head bobbing to avoid physical conflict. Research has found that head bobbing achieves a greater response when the response is immediate as compared to a 30-second delay. Larger males will receive greater aggression from other males and greater assertive responses from females. There is no current data that supports ecological competition is higher between same sex individuals however. Wikipedia →
Recent sightings of San Cristobal Lava Lizard in Galápagos Islands
LIVEiNaturalistClosest Relatives at Galápagos Islands
Santa Cruz Lava Lizard
Microlophus indefatigabilis
Isabela Lava Lizard
Microlophus albemarlensis
Hood Lava Lizard
Microlophus delanonis
Santiago Lava Lizard
Microlophus jacobii
Floreana Lava Lizard
Microlophus grayii
Santa Fe Lava Lizard
Microlophus barringtonensis
Pinzón Lava Lizard
Microlophus duncanensis
Global Distribution
Warmer areas are where this animal is recorded most often.
Parks Where Found
| # | Park | Country | Daily sighting probability |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Galápagos Islands | 🇪🇨 Ecuador |
More parks will be added in future updates.
Quick answers
What are the chances of seeing a San Cristobal Lava Lizard in Galápagos Islands?
About 40% of wildlife watchers report a San Cristobal Lava Lizard sighting in Galápagos Islands, based on 1,265 verified sightings from GBIF citizen-science data.
When is the best time to see San Cristobal Lava Lizard in Galápagos Islands?
May has the highest sighting rate for San Cristobal Lava Lizard in Galápagos Islands in our monthly data.