Animals That Start with A

Aardvark

Can move 2ft of soil in just 15 seconds!

Aardwolf

The aardwolf has five toes on its front paws

Abyssinian

One of the oldest cat breeds in the world!

Abyssinian Guinea Pig

They are one of the oldest breeds of guinea pig

Acadian Flycatcher

Their nests are sloppily held together and have an abandoned appearance

Achrioptera Manga

Unlike other species of stick insects, the Achrioptera manga's mating season is year-round and mating occurs regularly.

Ackie Monitor

The ackie monitor has a spiny tail which it uses as in self-defense.

Addax

The hooves of the addax are splayed and have flat, springy soles, one of the adaptations that help it walk over sand.

Adélie Penguin

Eats up to 2kg of food per day!

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Aesculapian Snake

Affenpinscher

First bred in 17th century Germany!

Afghan Hound

First used as a shepherd and hunter!

African Bullfrog

The African bullfrog is one of only three species of frog that have “teeth.”

African Bush Elephant

Can drink up to 50 gallons a day

African Civet

Secretes up to 4g of musk every week!

African Clawed Frog

African clawed frogs were used as pregnancy testers from the 1930s to the early 1960s.

African Elephant

Both male and female African elephants have tusks. In Asian elephants, only the males have tusks.

African Fish Eagle

African fish eagles belong to the genus of sea eagles

African Forest Elephant

Have large rounded ears to help keep them cool!

African Golden Cat

The first image of an African golden cat was captured in the wild in Gabon in 2002.

African Grey Parrot

When a grey parrot named Yosuke got lost, it was reunited with its owner after giving the owner's name and address.

African Jacana

The males raise the young

African Palm Civet

Solitary but gathers in groups!

African Penguin

The only penguin species in Africa!

African Sugarcane Borer

N/A

African Tree Toad

Found in tropical moist lowland forests!

African Wild Dog

Also known as the painted dog!

Africanized bee (killer bee)

Will chase intruders up to a quarter mile from their hives

Agama Lizard

The agama forms small social groups that contain both dominant and subordinate males.

Agkistrodon Contortrix

Agouti

The agouti is one of the only animals that can crack open Brazil nut pods!

Aidi

The Aidi's cheerful personality and relaxed temperament are just two reasons why this dog is a good choice for families with kids.

Ainu

An innate sense of direction!

Airedale Terrier

Very intelligent, independent and strong-minded!

Airedoodle

This is a great pooch for rough-housing and one-to-one.

Akbash

Often used as a guard dog!

Akita

Very clean, intelligent and loyal!

Akita Shepherd

The Akita Shepherd descends from a lineage of working dogs.

Alabai (Central Asian Shepherd)

The Alabai’s genes indicate that this breed has been around for more than 5,000 years.

Alaskan Husky

The Alaskan Husky is one of the most common sled dogs in the world

Alaskan Klee Kai

Alaskan Klee Kais love to communicate with their families. In addition to barking, they make other vocalizations, such as yodeling and howling.

Alaskan Malamute

Often used as sled dogs!

Alaskan Pollock

It's one of the most commonly eaten fish in the world

Alaskan Shepherd

This dog’s Malamute ancestors once came to America across the Bering Strait.

Albacore Tuna

The albacore is a very fast swimmer

Albatross

The largest wingspan of any bird in the world!

Albertonectes

The Albertonectes had the longest neck out of other Elasmosaurids.

Albino (Amelanistic) Corn Snake

Albino corn snakes make great beginner snakes.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

One got to be 255 years old!

Alligator Gar

The alligator gar has toxic eggs to protect against predators

Allosaurus

Differnt Lizard” or Allosaurus weighed around two tonnes that is almost equal to a car.

Allosaurus

Allosaurus is the official state fossil of Utah because of the abundant number of fossils found in the state.

Alpaca

They can spit up to 10 feet.

Alpine Dachsbracke

Good companion and hard-working breed!

Alpine Goat

Alpine goats are the most common type of goat used for milk, cheese, and other dairy products

Alusky

An Alusky loves to dig, so make sure your fence is planted deep in the ground to prevent any escapes!

Amano Shrimp

Popular kept in aquariums to keep them clean

Amargasaurus

Amazon Parrot

These parrots can be trained to be "talking birds" that mimic human speech

Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin)

Also known as the 'Pink Dolphin'

Amazon Tree Boa

Amazon tree boas come in a rainbow of colors.

Amazonian Royal Flycatcher

They use their bright royal-looking crests during mating season

Amberjack

Amberjack can grow up to 200 pounds

Ambrosia Beetle

The ambrosia beetle forms a symbiotic relationship with the ambrosia fungi

American Alligator

They have two sets of eyelids!

American Alsatian

American Bulldog

Can jump up to 6ft high!

American Bully

Though the American bully was bred to look intimidating, it makes an extremely friendly family pet!

American Cocker Spaniel

Merry, outgoing, and eager to please!

American Cockroach

Despite its name, actually originated from Africa and the Middle East

American Coonhound

Easygoing and people-friendly!

American Dog Tick

Main vector of Rocky Mountain spotted fever

American Eel

Don't eat raw eel! Their blood is poisonous to humans when consumed raw.

American Eskimo Dog

The American Eskimo has splendid all white fur and an upturned tail

American Foxhound

Sweet, kind, loyal, and very loving!

American Hairless Terrier

The American hairless terrier comes in two varieties with one having a very short coat.

American Leopard Hound

This breed is also known as the American Leopard Cur. The name was formally changed to American Leopard Hound in 2008.

American Paddlefish

American Pit Bull Terrier

These dogs are very energetic and would be up for a game at any given point of time

American Pugabull

American Pugabulls are medium-sized dogs that weigh between 25 to 70 pounds, and their height measures 12 to 20 inches at the shoulder.

American Pygmy Goat

Can jump up to 5 feet

American Robin

The color “Robin egg blue” is named after the hue of their eggs.

American Staffordshire Terrier

Bred to be extremely friendly!

American Toad

They secrete a milky poisonous liquid that can make many animals sick.

American Water Spaniel

Friendly and intelligent!

American Wirehair

American Wirehairs often play fetch with their owners

Amethystine Python (Scrub Python)

Their milky-iridescent scales have a purplish hue in the light, reminiscent of the gemstone.

Amphicoelias Fragillimus

Only one fossil has been found for this dinosaur and it was lost very soon after discovery.

Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard may be the rarest big cat on Earth!

Anaconda

They are the heaviest snake in the world

Anatolian Shepherd Dog

Guards it's master's flocks!

Anchovies

November 12th is celebrated as National Pizza with the Works Except Anchovies Day

Andrewsarchus

Andrewsarchus is the largest terrestrial mammalian carnivore to have ever lived.

Angelfish

There are 70 different species!

Angelshark

The angelshark’s range has contracted by more than 80% in the past century.

Angled Sunbeam Caterpillar

Create a silk bed that they use to attach themselves to leaves

Anglerfish

The anglerfish has a glowing lure on its head to attract unsuspecting prey

Angora Ferret

Was created as an accident.

Angora Goat

Each adult Angora goat produces about 12 inches of mohair annually while kids have about 8 inches.

Anhinga

Their name means snake bird

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna's Hummingbird wings beat 40-50 times per second during normal flight

Anole Lizard

There are just under 400 species, several of which change color.

Anomalocaris

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Antarctic Scale Worm

Similar in length to a rat or squirrel

Anteater

Has the longest tongue of any animal in relation to its body size!

Antelope

Renew their horns every year!

Anteosaurus

Although the Anteosaurus looked like a crocodile, it is more related to mammals than reptiles.

Antiguan Racer Snake

One of the most endangered snakes in the world

Aoudad Sheep

More aoudad sheep live in the United States than in their original North African habitat.

Ape

Love to learn, especially through observation

Apennine Wolf

Wolves do not howl at the moon. They howl to communicate with other members of their pack.

Appenzeller Dog

Herding dog by nature!

Apple Head Chihuahua

Apple Head Chihuahuas are toy breed dogs with a history dating back to ancient Mexico. They are lovable, loyal, smart and courageous with a lengthy lifespan despite being the world's smallest canines.

Apple Moth

In Australia the LBAM causes $21.1 million annually in lost production and control costs

Arabian Cobra

The Arabian cobra is the only true cobra species that can be found in the Arabian Peninsula.

Arabian Wolf

Rare desert wolf

Arafura File Snake

These snakes have rough, file-like skin.

Arambourgiania

The Arambourgiania was not a dinosaur but instead a pterosaur!

Arapaima

One of the largest freshwater fish

Archaeoindris

Archaeoindris was the largest primate to evolve in Madagascar

Archaeopteryx

Archaeotherium

The family Entelodontidae is commonly referred to as "hell pigs."

Archelon Turtle

Archelons are the largest turtles to have ever lived in the world

Archerfish

Archerfish can shoot a stream of water up to five feet with amazing accuracy.

Arctic Char

Arctic char is the northern-most fish; no other fish lives anywhere further north!

Arctic Fox

Extremely thick winter fur!

Arctic Hare

Eats berries found in the snow!

Arctic Wolf

Incredibly versatile and adaptive!

Arctodus

The South American spectacled bear is its closest relative living today.

Arctotherium

The first fossil from the genus Arctotherium was discovered back in 1852.

Argentavis Magnificens

The Argentavis Magnificens was the heaviest flight bird to ever exist

Argentine Black and White Tegu

giant lizard kept as pets

Argentine Horned Frog

Natively found in South America!

Argentinosaurus

The Argentinosaurus weighed as much as 10 elephants!

Arizona Bark Scorpion

Under UV light they glow a bright blue or green, making them easy to spot.

Arizona Black Rattlesnake

Female Arizona black rattlesnakes sometimes share parenting duties.

Arizona Blonde Tarantula

They are covered in thousands of fuzzy blonde hairs.

Arizona Coral Snake

The Arizona coral snake is among the most venomous snakes of North America.

Armadillo

Can curl into a hard, protective ball!

Armadillo Lizard

They communicate through a series of tongue flicking, head bobbing and tail wagging, among other methods.

Armenian Gampr

Old school owners brush their coats with a rake once or twice a week, preventing major matting.

Armored Catfish

Armyworm

They are so named because they "march" in armies of worms from one crop to another in search of food

Arsinoitherium

Arsinoitherium was a twin-horned mammal that looked like a rhino but is more closely related to present-day elephants.

Arthropleura

Arthropleura was the largest terrestrial invertebrate to have ever lived

Aruba Rattlesnake

This rattlesnake only lives on the island of Aruba.

Ashy Mining Bee

N/A

Asian Arowana

The male Asian arowana raises the eggs in its mouth

Asian Carp

Asian carp can consume 40% of their body weight in food a day!

Asian Cockroach

Originally discovered in Japan

Asian Elephant

Domesticated for hundreds of years!

Asian Giant Hornet

The largest wasp in the world!

Asian Lady Beetle

Asian lady beetles infest indoor spaces, but they do not reproduce indoors.

Asian Longhorn Beetle

Their entire life cycle from larvae to beetle usually takes around 2 years in Asia. However, it may take longer in areas where they are an invasive species, like the UK and USA

Asian Palm Civet

It mainly eats mangos and coffee!

Asian Vine Snake

This snake chews on its victims to release venom.

Asian Water Monitor

The Asian water monitor is the second heaviest lizard in the world!

Asiatic Black Bear

Known to eat 160 different tree-borne fruits in Thailand!

Asp

It was the symbol of royalty in Egypt, and its bite was used for the execution of criminals in Greco-Roman times.

Asp Caterpillar

N/A

Assassin Bug

The assassin bug is named for its quick strike ability.

Assassin Snail

The snail-eating snail.

Atlantic Cod

One of the most popular food fishes in the world

Atlantic Salmon

These fish are known for their ability to leap and fight when hooked.

Atlantic Sturgeon

Atlantic Sturgeon often leap out of the water.

Atlas Beetle

Male Atlas beetles have prominent horns that are three times that of females. 

Atlas Moth

Adult atlas moths do not eat - they live off fat they stored as larvae.

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Aussiedoodle

The breed has its own popular Instagram page (Aussiedoodles Daily)!

Aussiedor

Aussiedors come in black, brown, cream, yellow, and almost every imaginable color due to their parentage!

Aussiepom

Australian Bulldog

The Aussie is a strong swimmer, a good workout in nice weather.

Australian Cattle Dog

High energy levels and active minds!

Australian Cockroach

The most common type outdoor roach in Florida

Australian Firehawk

Australian firehawks are the arsonists of the avian world!

Australian Flathead Perch

This small fish fetches a high price tag, with individuals selling from $1,000 to $5,000.

Australian Gecko

Geckos have 100 teeth and continually replace them.

Australian Kelpie Dog

Friendly, intelligent and energetic!

Australian Labradoodle

The "Australian" just refers to where the breed originated

Australian Mist

The only cat breed to originate in Australia.

Australian Retriever

The Australian Retriever may have two different eye colors.

Australian Shepherd

Sweet, faithful and affectionate!

Australian Shepherd Mix

This hybrid has powerful herding skills, which come with guarding instincts, so some Aussiedors may be protective of their loved ones.

Australian Terrier

Spirited, alert and courageous!

Australopithecus

Australorp Chicken

Australorp chickens are among the best egg producers in the world, Hens in Australia set consecutive world records with one laying 364 eggs in a single year!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Axanthic Ball Python

Axanthic ball pythons lack yellow pigment in their skin!

Axolotl

Found only in one complex of lakes!

Ayam Cemani

They were used for sacrificial purposes

Aye-aye

Thought to be extinct until 1957!

Azawakh

Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin)

Also known as the 'Pink Dolphin'

Amur Leopard

The Amur leopard may be the rarest big cat on Earth!

Alaskan Shepherd

This dog’s Malamute ancestors once came to America across the Bering Strait.

Alaskan Malamute

Often used as sled dogs!

Amazon River Dolphin (Pink Dolphin)

Also known as the 'Pink Dolphin'