

The Galapagos Islands' land animals are dominated by reptiles, whereas most of the world finds mammals the predominant species. Unlike mammals, reptiles are able to survive long periods without water, equipping them with the ability to make the epic 620 mile-long journey to the volcanic islands from the mainland. Giant tortoises, iguanas, snakes and lizards - visitors to the islands will have plenty of opportunities to discover these unique creatures. The islands were even named after one of their famous reptile species - the giant tortoise. For more information on the variety of reptiles found on the islands.
Because the Galapagos Islands were never part of mainland
South or Central America, they are inhabited by a very limited number of invertebrate
and insect species. Visitors will have the best luck spotting the different
species of insects after a heavy rain or at night - ships' lights particularly
catch the attention of the Islands' green hawkmoth and fringed notcuid.
Butterflies are usually a popular insect and are the easiest to identify by
their brightly colored wings. These small creatures that inhabit the islands
range from the colorful large painted grasshopper, to the peculiar giant
long-horn beetle. For more information on the variety of insects and
invertebrates found on the islands.