It seems everywhere you go in the Galapagos, little lava lizards scurry about. These small lizards, some reaching a foot long or more, hang out on rocks or in scrubby vegetation. Actually, there are seven subspecies of lava lizards in the islands: they have been on the different islands long enough to develop different characteristics according to the environment of each island. If you show an experienced guide a photo of a lava lizard, he or she will be able to tell you on which island the photo was taken!

Visible at almost all visitor sites, Galapagos Lava Lizards are small, quick lizards who mostly eat insects. There are different species on different islands: the largest is the Española variety. They are territorial and can often be seen doing "push-ups," an action that marks their territory.

Where is it found: Can be found on most islands in the archipelago. When is it found: All year round. Interesting fact: There are at least 28 species, including seven which are endemic to the Galapagos Islands.