16th Annual Smithsonian Magazine Photo Contest Natural World

Giddyup, Partner

A lava lizard hitches a ride atop a marine iguana on Fernandina Island, Galápagos. Witnessing the mutualistic relationship between the two reptiles was truly magical!

Photo Detail Date Taken: 01.2018 Date Uploaded: 11.2018 Photo Location: Punta Espinoza, Fernandina, Galapagos, Ecuador Camera: Canon EOS 70D Copyright: © Carla Rhodes Awards Photo of the Day: 11.30.18 Editor's Pick Finalist Readers Choice Winner

This photo won the Readers' Choice award of our 16th Annual Photo Contest. See all 60 winners and finalists here