Read below for information on 58 different animals that start with the letter D, from darwin’s frog to dwarf crocodile. The most popular animal that starts with D is The dodo, an extinct medium sized flightless bird first discovered in the 1590’s. The least popular is the desert tortoise. Some fun facts about D name animals include:
- A desert tortoise can go a whole year without drinking water
- Donkey’s were first domesticated 5,000 years ago
- Dragonflies are the world’s most accurate and deadly hunter, catching more than 95% of prey
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List of Animals That Start with D
- Dachsador
- Dachshund
- Dalmadoodle
- Dalmador
- Dalmatian
- Danios
- Dapple Dachshund
- Darwin’s fox
- Darwin’s Frog
- Death Adder
- Death’s Head Cockroach
- Deathwatch Beetle
- Deer
- Deer Head Chihuahua
- Deer Tick
- Desert Kingsnake
- Desert Locust
- Desert Rain Frog
- Desert Tortoise
- Deutsche Bracke
- Devils Coach Horse Beetle
- Devon Rex
- Dhole
- Dik-Dik
- Dingo
- Dire Wolf
- Discus
- Doberman Pinscher
- Dodo
- Dog
- Dog Tick
- Dogo Argentino
- Dogue De Bordeaux
- Dolphin
- Donkey
- Dorgi
- Dorkie
- Dormouse
- Double Doodle
- Douc
- Doxiepoo
- Doxle
- Draco Volans Lizard
- Dragonfish
- Dragonfly
- Drever
- Drum Fish
- Dubia Cockroach
- Duck
- Dugong
- Dumeril’s Boa
- Dung Beetle
- Dunker
- Dunnock
- Dusky Dolphin
- Dwarf Boa
- Dwarf Crocodile
- Dwarf Hamster
Animals that Start with D
Dachsador
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: This hybrid dog is also known as a Doxador or a Weinerdor.
If the Dachsador has inherited certain traits from its Lab parent, like the water-repellent coat, extra feet webbing, and love of water, then it could make for an excellent swimmer. The Dachsador is a mixed breed dog that combines the bravery and boldness of the Dachshund with the strong work ethic of the Labrador Retriever. […] Read More
Dachshund
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Fun and playful breed of small dog!
The doxie, or dachshund, is a scent hound bred to hunt badgers, foxes, rabbits, and other tunneling animals. They were known at one time to trail wild boar when trained by hunters. This versatile breed is a great family pet, small-game hunter, and even an excellent show dog. Single-colored Smooth and Longhaired dachshunds tend to […] Read More
Dalmadoodle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Dalmatians were originally bred to run alongside carriages, and their dalmadoodle descendents have the same long legs and high energy.
Dalmadoodles are working dogs that love having something to do. Whether you train them to be like their carriage-following dalmatian ancestors or their rabbit-hunting poodle ancestors, be sure to give your dalmadoodle plenty of small jobs to make them feel useful and loved. What do you get when you cross a dalmatian with a poodle? […] Read More
Dalmador
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Dalmador breeding skyrocketed after the 16 release of the live-action 101 Dalmatians movie.
Dalmadors are loyal dogs that are excited to explore the world. Take your dalmador on plenty of walks; they need the exercise, and they’ll love to see what’s outside your front door. When you combine the spots of a a dalmatian with the friendly temperament of a labrador retriever, you get the charming working dog […] Read More
Dalmatian
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Have an energetic and playful nature!
A Dalmatian’s white coat with black spots makes it immediately recognizable. This breed is known for its sensitive temperament and high energy level. It belongs to the non-sporting group. One of the lesser-known facts about this dog breed is it got its name from a coastal area in Austria called Dalmatia. Descended from pointers, Dalmatians […] Read More
Danios
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Danio
- Scientific Name
- Danio rerio
Fun Fact: These fish make a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists due to their hardy nature.
“Danios make a popular choice for aquarium hobbyists due to their hardy nature.“ Danios come in many types and colors, but the common attribute across the species is their size, hardiness, and active swimming style. They tolerate a wide range of water conditions and are good eaters. One thing to keep in mind is that […] Read More
Dapple Dachshund
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: A Dapple Dachshund’s dappling pattern may be just one spot, or it may be numerous spots and splashes on their coat.
A Dapple Dachshund’s dappling pattern may be just one spot or it may be numerous spots and splashes on their coat These Dachshunds are really just a Dachshund with a special coat pattern. The pattern is called a dappling pattern, and it appears as lighter markings against a darker based coat color. The reason some […] Read More
Darwin’s fox
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Lycalopex
- Scientific Name
- Lycalopex fulvipes
Fun Fact: It’s not a “true fox.”
“Darwin’s Fox is one of the world’s littlest foxes” There are two populations of Darwin’s fox. The location of the first population is an island off the coast of Chile, and the other lives in a few locations on the mainland. The fox lives its rather secretive life in the temperate forests of these places. […] Read More
Darwin’s Frog
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Anura
- Family
- Rhinodermatidae
- Genus
- Rhinoderma
- Scientific Name
- Rhinoderma Darwinii
Fun Fact: Camouflages itself as a dead leaf!
The unique carnivorous Darwin’s frog carries tadpoles in its vocal sac for up to 70 days! Darwin’s frog is native to streams and forests of Chile and Argentina. This tiny frog species gets its name after explorer Charles Darwin. He discovered the frog during his famous “Voyage of the Beagle” from February 1832 to September 1835. Darwin’s […] Read More
Death Adder
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Acanthopis
- Scientific Name
- Acanthopis antarcticus
Fun Fact: The Death Adder is more closely related to the Cobra than other Australian snakes.
“The Death Adder is more closely related to the Cobra than other Australian snakes.” Also known as the Common Death Adder, this species is native to eastern and southern Australia, as well as Papua New Guinea. The species avoids desert areas but is plentiful in wooded or grassy areas. These reptiles are quite adept at […] Read More
Death’s Head Cockroach
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodae
- Family
- Blaberidae
- Genus
- Blaberus
- Scientific Name
- Blaberus craniifer
Fun Fact: People buy Death's Head Cockroach nymphs and raise them as pets!
Death’s Head Cockroach Summary “This cockroach is often kept as a pet.” The Death’s Head Cockroach is a large winged insect which is native to Mexico , the West Indies, and Central America. It has also been introduced into Florida . There is a small black patch on their head that looks like a “Death’s […] Read More
Deathwatch Beetle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Ptinidae
- Genus
- Xestobium
- Scientific Name
- Xestobium rufovillosum
Fun Fact: The adult deathwatch beetle taps on the wood to find a mate.
The deathwatch beetle is a wood-boring insect that can infest wooden buildings and become an annoying pest. It can feed on all kinds of different wood, but old oak appears to be one of its favorite potential hosts. The deathwatch beetles were once considered to be signs of an ill omen and a portent of […] Read More
Deer
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Scientific Name
- Odocoileus virginiana
Fun Fact: There are around 40 different species!
Foraging languidly among forests and plains, the deer is one of the most familiar and recognizable sights in all of nature. The deer is an animal that has proliferated across the globe and evolved many adaptations to help it cope with the rigors of a hostile world. Its regal antlers are some of the most […] Read More
Deer Head Chihuahua
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: The Chihuahua is the smallest dog breed in the world.
The Deer Head Chihuahua is named after the Mexican state from which it originated. The Chihuahua may be among the smallest of all dogs, but its big, charming personality and striking features have made it a symbol of an entire country and one of the most popular breeds around the world. Originally descending from an […] Read More
Deer Tick
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Idodida
- Family
- Ixodidae
- Genus
- Ixodes
- Scientific Name
- Ixodes scapularis
Fun Fact: Commonly found on white-tailed deer
“Because of their dark-colored legs, deer ticks are often called black-legged ticks.” Out of all the ticks native to North America, the deer tick is one of the most problematic. Ticks have been around for a very long time, over 100 million years. Today, there are more than 900 distinct species of ticks living on […] Read More
Desert Kingsnake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Lampropeltis
- Scientific Name
- Lampropeltis splendida
Fun Fact: The desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened.
The desert kingsnake is only found in the United States. Featuring a black or brown body with light-colored speckles all over it, the desert kingsnake may look intimidating, but it is one of the friendliest species around with no teeth and no venom. Plus, they won’t attack if they are afraid! Instead, they’ll roll over […] Read More
Desert Locust
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera
- Family
- Acrididae
- Genus
- Schistocerca
- Scientific Name
- Schistocerca gregaria
Fun Fact: Solitary locusts are grey while gregarious locusts are yellow with stripes.
“Desert locusts are tenacious insects that can eat anything and repopulate in massive numbers.” The desert locust has lived in the dry and arid parts of the world for as long as humans can remember. These hardy insects consume vegetation equal to their body weight on a daily basis. When in solitary mode, desert locusts […] Read More
Desert Rain Frog
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Anura
- Family
- Brevicipitidae
- Genus
- Breviceps
- Scientific Name
- Breviceps macrops
Fun Fact: The desert rain frog doesn't hop
With its dog chew toy-like squealing sound of defense, the desert rain frog is a bug-eyed wonder with a transparent layer of skin that actually exposes its organs. The desert rain frog species are found in South Africa and Namibia. Its ecosystem is a narrow strip of sandy shores between the sea and the sand […] Read More
Desert Tortoise
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Testudinidae
- Genus
- Gopherus
- Scientific Name
- Gopherus Agassizii
Fun Fact: Lives in burrows underground!
“A desert tortoise can live to be over 80 years old!” Desert tortoises are found in the United States and in Mexico. These tortoises burrow tunnels so they can go underground to cool off when the desert heat gets to be too much. The California desert tortoise eats grasses, flowers and herbs found in their […] Read More
Deutsche Bracke
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis Lupus
Fun Fact: Has long drop ears and a long narrow tail!
The Deutsche Bracke is a mid-size breed with a tricolor coat and a long tail. They are scenthounds that originated in Westphalia, Germany in the 18th century. In 1896, all the different types of Bracke dogs (scenthounds) in Germany were merged into one breed that was named the Deutsche Bracke. Deutsche Brackes have also been […] Read More
Devils Coach Horse Beetle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
- Genus
- Ocypus
- Scientific Name
- Ocypus olens
Fun Fact: The Devil’s coach horse beetle can emit a noxious substance to deter predators
The Devil’s coach horse beetle has been associated unfairly with evil forces. In the Middle Ages, a superstition arose that the insect could curse a person just by pointing its tail in their direction. This strange superstition has given rise to the unusual name of Devil’s coach horse beetle (which brings to mind the image […] Read More
Devon Rex
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Felidae
- Genus
- Felis
- Scientific Name
- Felis catus
Fun Fact:
The Devon Rex, which first arose from the town of Devon, England in the 1950s, has attracted a small but devoted following for its livewire personality and its distinctive appearance. Sporting a slender elf-like face and big ears that don’t seem to entirely fit, this cat is known for its intelligent mind and people-oriented behavioral […] Read More
Dhole
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Cuon
- Scientific Name
- Cuon alpinus
Fun Fact: Only 2,000 left in the wild!
“The dhole has been described as a mix between the gray wolf and the red fox” Also known as the ‘Asiatic Wild Dog’, Dholes are a once a wide-ranging wild dog species that covered nearly half the globe. Today the dhole is an endangered species with an estimated population of fewer than 2,500 adults. Dholes […] Read More
Dik-Dik
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Bovidae
- Genus
- Madoqua
Fun Fact: A dik-dik is named after a sound it makes when it is frightened
“The Dik-dik gets its name from the whistling sound it makes with its nose” A dik-dik is a very small antelope. They are nocturnal and live in Africa. They have many predators and play an important part in the food chain. These animals absorb most of the water their bodies need from the plants they […] Read More
Dingo
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis Lupus Dingo
Fun Fact: Natively found on the Australian continent!
The dingo is the only canine species native to Australia. Doting parents but fierce predators, dingoes are animals that are well-adapted for the harsh and diverse climates of Australia and the Pacific region. These creatures are considered to be a wild type of dog and exhibit similar pack behavior and hunting strategies as the closely […] Read More
Dire Wolf
- Kingdom
- Animalia
Fun Fact:
Description & Size Aenocyon dirus, the dire wolf, was a massive carnivore during the Late Pleistocene and Early Holocene epochs. This means they lived sometime between 125,000 and 9,500 years ago. Although they weighed up to 200lbs., these relatives to the gray wolf (Canis lupus) were about 25% larger than the biggest modern wolf species. […] Read More
Discus
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Symphysodon
Fun Fact: One of the only schooling Cichlids!
The discus fish can change its colors slightly based on personal and environmental factors. Symphysodon, also known as discus, is a genus of brightly colored tropical fish (and a member of the cichlid family). These fish mainly reside in the long, sinewy waterways of the Amazon Basin. Because of their vivid colors and intricate markings, […] Read More
Doberman Pinscher
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis Lupus
Fun Fact: A gentle, loyal and loving breed!
With a very powerful and sleek body type, the Doberman Pinscher is known to be one of the noblemen of the dog’s kind. It does not only have a great physique but is also very intelligent. Pinschers are known to be extremely fearless and have been one of the finest protection dog breeds in the […] Read More
Dodo
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Columbiformes
- Family
- Columbidae
- Genus
- Raphus
- Scientific Name
- Raphus cucullatus
Fun Fact: Native to the island of Mauritius!
First discovered in 1598 by European sailors, the large, flightless dodo has since become a sort of byword for clumsiness and backwardness. But despite its reputation, the dodo bird adapted over millions of years of evolution for the tough environment of Mauritius. If anything doomed the dodo, it was an unfortunate victim of circumstance. After […] Read More
Dog
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus familiaris
Fun Fact: First domesticated in South-East Asia!
Dogs are thought to have been first domesticated in East Asia thousands of years ago. People primarily used dogs for guarding the hunters and areas of land.Today’s domestic dog is actually a subspecies of the grey wolf, a type of dog that is feared by most humans. Many people today, in all countries around the […] Read More
Dog Tick
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Ixodida
- Family
- Ixodidae
- Genus
- Dermacentor
- Scientific Name
- Dermacentor variabilis
Fun Fact: Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals
“Dog ticks are made up of two species; the American dog tick, and the brown dog tick.” When people say ‘dog tick’, they’re generally referring to the American dog tick, found throughout North America. But, there’s one additional type of dog tick: the brown dog tick. On top of this, there are even more species […] Read More
Dogo Argentino
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis Lupus
Fun Fact: Loyal and affectionate to their family!
Despite its recent recognition, Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez created this breed almost 100 years earlier in 1928. The American Kennel Club initially recognized the Dogo Argentino in 2011 as part of the miscellaneous group. However, during 2020, the AKC changed this breed’s designation to the working group. Despite its recent recognition, Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez […] Read More
Dogue De Bordeaux
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Extremely loyal and devoted to it's master!
With their size, strength, and unwavering loyalty to their human companions, the Dogue de Bordeaux should be called the bodyguard of canines. Also known as the French Mastiff, this ancient breed originates from the Bordeaux region of France around the 1700s. Due to their massive size, they were working dogs used to pull carts or […] Read More
Dolphin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Cetacean
- Family
- Delphinidae
Fun Fact: Can reach speeds of up to 25 mph!
Along with tigers and elephants, dolphins are often listed when someone asks, “What is your favorite animal?” Many people have become familiar with the playful antics of dolphins through films like Flipper and Dolphin Tale. But there is much more to these animals and their behavior! Keep reading to learn more facts about these amazing […] Read More
Donkey
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Perissodactyla
- Family
- Equidae
- Genus
- Equus
- Scientific Name
- Equus Asinus
Fun Fact: First domesticated 5,000 years ago!
While donkeys are thought to be stubborn, they are actually highly intelligent creatures that can form tight bonds with humans. Donkeys are members of the horse family, although donkeys and horses represent two very different species. After domestication in Egypt and North Africa, where they were used for meat and milk, they evolved to become […] Read More
Dorgi
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: The Dorgi is one of the more popular mixed breed dogs.
Queen Elizabeth II began breeding Dorgis after one of her Corgis mated with a Dachshund called Pipkin, who was owned by her sister Princess Margaret. Intelligent, hard-working, but very playful and goofy, the Dorgi is a cross between a Dachshund and a Pembroke Welsh Corgi. Like many mixed breed dogs, the history of this one […] Read More
Dorkie
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Dorkies are so laid-back they sometimes need extra incentive to exercise each day.
A Dorkie is a loyal dog following its owners around everywhere like a shadow. Breed a Yorkshire Terrier with a Dachshund and you get a Dorkie. Dorkies are hybrid dogs that date back to the 1990s. They have many of the best qualities of their purebred parents. Dorkies are known for their laid-back temperament. They […] Read More
Dormouse
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Gliridae
- Scientific Name
- Gliridae
Fun Fact: Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!
“The dormouse spends much of the year isolated in hibernation.” A lifestyle of hibernation has become this creature’s most well-known trait. In fact, throughout the world, the animal is practically synonymous with sleepiness and indolence. But the opposite is also true. After emerging from its hibernation for the winter, the dormouse is an active and […] Read More
Double Doodle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Exact origin unknown.
While it would seem that any breeder would be delighted to claim the honor of creating the Double Doodle, none ever have. Strange as it may seem, the breed may have been accidentally rather than scientifically called into existence. Curiously enough for a very modern breed of canine, the origins of the Double Doodle are […] Read More
Douc
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Cercopithecidae
- Genus
- Pygathrix
Fun Fact: When these monkeys want to mate, they wiggle their eyebrows.
The Douc can be called “A Casualty of War.” The douc is an Old World Monkey from Indochina with the face of an ancient, bearded sage. Despite this, it is playful, full of life, and gregarious. The red-shanked species is also the most colorful monkey in the world with a coat that comes in shades […] Read More
Doxiepoo
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
Fun Fact: Doxiepoos are an unpredictable breed that can come in a variety of appearances and sizes.
The doxiepoo is one of the most varied and unpredictable designer dogs on the market. Because daschunds have so many possible appearances, there’s no telling how big your doxiedoodle will be or what their coat will look like. The doxiepoo is an adorable cross between a dachshund and a miniature poodle. This breed has only […] Read More
Doxle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- canis lupus familiaris
Fun Fact: Doxles have long floppy ears
Doxles have long floppy ears. Doxle Introduction The Doxle is a cross between a Beagle and Dachshund. The Beagle was bred to hunt rabbits in England, then eventually traded in North America. The Dachshund was bred in Germany. They were used to hunt wild boar, weasels and badgers. This breed has a high prey drive […] Read More
Draco Volans Lizard
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Agamidae
- Genus
- Draco
- Scientific Name
- Draco volans
Fun Fact: Beneath the lizard’s “wings” are a pair of enlarged ribs for support.
Draco volans is known as “The Gliding Lizard ” Though volans means “flying,” the Draco Volans lizard doesn’t really fly but glides. It uses patagia, a membrane that covers its ribs to glide from place to place. It is found in rainforests where it can jump easily from one tree to another. Some people keep […] Read More
Dragonfish
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Syngnathiformes and Stomiiformes
- Family
- Stomiidae and Pegasidae
- Genus
- Eurypegasus
Fun Fact: Dragonfish can emit red light from their eyes
Dragonfish can emit red light from their eyes which they usually use for hunting down prey. Dragonfish is a species that covers a variety of small fishes that have similar characteristics. It comprises five to six different specific species, though little is known about each one. When discussing the dragonfish, this term is used to […] Read More
Dragonfly
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Odonata
- Family
- Anisoptera
Fun Fact: It's larvae are carnivorous!
Dragonflies eat mosquitoes, gnats, and cicadas making them an important part of the ecosystem. These amazing insects also serve as a food source for a variety of fish and birds. They are found on every continent with the exception of Antarctica. Wooded areas as well as freshwater lakes, ponds, marshes, and streams are all habitats […] Read More
Drever
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis Lupus
Fun Fact: Uncommon outside of Europe!
Drevers are excellent at driving deer towards their owners, but they can also be very useful for hunting other animals such as foxes and hares. Drevers are one of the most popular dog breeds in Sweden. They are a smaller version of the German hound, the Westphalian Dahsbracke, that was imported to Sweden in 1910. […] Read More
Drum Fish
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Sciaenidae
- Scientific Name
- Sciaenidae
Fun Fact: The drum fish makes a croaking sound with its swimming bladder!
The drum fish lives up to its rather literal name by emitting a very loud noise that aids in communication with other animals. This fish is mostly endemic to saltwater seas and oceans, but a few species reside exclusively in freshwater rivers and lakes as well. They are a very popular type of fish for […] Read More
Dubia Cockroach
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Blattodea
- Family
- Blaberidae
- Genus
- Blaptica
- Scientific Name
- Blaptica dubia
Fun Fact: The most popular species of feeder roach
“Dubia roaches are the most popular choice for exotic pet owners looking to feed their lizards, snakes, and toads.” Among all species of cockroach, dubia roaches may be the easiest to take care of. Unlike the stereotypical pest species, like American, German, and Oriental cockroaches, dubia roaches don’t generally invade homes. Instead, they come to […] Read More
Duck
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Anseriformes
- Family
- Anatidae
Fun Fact: Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!
“A duck can sleep with one eye open in order to stay alert to predators” Ducks are omnivorous eating plants, insects, small fish, seeds, and crustaceans. A duck is a bird known as a waterfowl because they live near ponds, rivers, and lakes. This animal lives on every continent except Antarctica. Some of them live […] Read More
Dugong
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Sirenia
- Family
- Dugongidae
- Genus
- Dugong
- Scientific Name
- Dugong Dugon
Fun Fact: Closely related to the Manatee!
The dugong is one of the few herbivorous marine mammals still remaining in the world. This species is a familiar sight to any inhabitants or tourists who visit the coastal waters of the world’s tropical regions. It moves through the water with a slow, languid pace and chews up the grass on the bottom of […] Read More
Dumeril’s Boa
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Boidae
- Genus
- Acrantophis
- Scientific Name
- dumerili
Fun Fact: Some tribes believe that the snake's skin holds the souls of their ancestors.
Dumeril’s boa is a medium-sized boa that, while popular as a pet, is native to Madagascar. It eats various small animals, but juvenile lemurs are its favorite prey item. This snake was heavily exported for the pet trade. To protect it in the wild, Madagascar added local protections, and CITES added it to Appendix I. […] Read More
Dung Beetle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
Fun Fact: The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight
Dung beetles (also sometimes known as scarabs) are not afraid to get their hands dirty. Their entire lives revolve around interacting with dung in some way. They bury or feed upon much of the leftover waste of other animals, which has numerous environmental benefits. It cleans up the excrement from the environment, controls the fly […] Read More
Dunker
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: A friendly and relaxed dog!
Dunkers are a medium-sized scenthound that can be very affectionate. A Dunker Dog is also called a Norwegian Hound because their country of origin is Norway. They are sometimes also referred to as a Norwegian Rabbit Hound. Dunkers were developed when Russian Harlequin Hounds were crossed with different Norwegian scenthounds. Captain Wilhelm Conrad Dunker was […] Read More
Dunnock
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Prunellidae
- Genus
- Prunella
- Scientific Name
- Prunella modularis
Fun Fact: Both male and female dunnocks can have multiple mates every breeding season
The dunnock is one of the few birds in which the female maintains its own territory. The dunnock is a small songbird that originated from Europe. It goes by many names, including hedge sparrow and hedge accentor. However, it is not really a sparrow at all, but rather a type of accentor. The identification between […] Read More
Dusky Dolphin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Cetacea
- Family
- Delphinidae
- Genus
- Lagenorhynchus
- Scientific Name
- Lagenorhynchus obscurus
Fun Fact: Communicates using whistles, squeaks and clicks!
Dusky Dolphin Classification and Evolution The Dusky Dolphin is a small species of dolphin that is found inhabiting the cooler waters along continental shelves throughout the southern hemisphere. This distinctive looking cetacean is closely related to other large marine animals including other dolphins, porpoises and whales but despite their fish-like appearance Dusky Dolphins are true […] Read More
Dwarf Boa
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Boidae & Tropidophidiiae
- Genus
- Various
- Scientific Name
- Various
Fun Fact: Some species can change color from dark to light, and back again.
Dwarf boas can be a fantastic option for those who want a snake, but not a behemoth. Boa species range from truly tiny to gargantuan, and some of the most beautiful species are gentle and calm, making them great pets – if you have the space. However, many of us don’t have enough space or […] Read More
Dwarf Crocodile
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Order
- Crocodilia
- Family
- Crocodylidae
- Genus
- Osteolaemus
- Scientific Name
- Osteolaemus tetraspis
Fun Fact: Digs burrows in river banks to rest!
Dwarf Crocodile Classification and Evolution The Dwarf Crocodile is a small species of crocodile natively found in the rainforests of West Africa. The Dwarf Crocodile is the smallest species of crocodile in the world and is also one of the most distinctive with a short, broad snout and tough scales that cover their entire black […] Read More
Dwarf Hamster
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Cricetidae
- Genus
- Cricetulus
- Scientific Name
- Cricetulus barabensis
Fun Fact: dwarf hamsters love to explore at night.
A dwarf hamster is a group of several subspecies, specifically dealing with hamsters that are smaller than four inches long. They often have a lifespan of two to three years, though some live less than this. They are incredibly smart, and some subspecies hibernate through the winter months underground. If you want to take a […] Read More
Popular Animals starting with D
Newest Animals that Start with the Letter D
The most recently added Animals that start with the letter D.

Dwarf Boa
Some species can change color from dark to light, and back again.

Desert Kingsnake
The desert kingsnake rolls over and plays dead when it feels threatened.

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