Known lanosterol synthase mutants produce monocyclic or tetracyclic byproducts from oxidosqualene. We describe Erg7 Tyr510 mutants that cause partial substrate misfolding and generate a tricyclic byproduct. This novel triterpene, (13 alpha H)-isomalabarica-14(27),17E,21-trien-3 beta-ol, is the likely biosynthetic precursor of isomalabaricane triterpenoids in sponges. The results suggest the facile evolution of protective triterpenoids in sessile animals.