Animals That Start with D

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 believed to have originated during the last few decades. This breed combines the bravery and boldness of the […] Read More

Key Points Dachshunds may suffer from intervertebral disc disease which may result in dehydration, bladder issues, or even paralysis in certain cases. This breed is rather prone to obesity and should be fed a diet consisting of high-quality protein.Dachshund puppies can be rather mischievous and are not above unleashing destruction on their surroundings if left unsupervised. […] Read More

The Dachshund is a charismatic little dog, originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers. In fact, that’s precisely what their name means, “Dachs” means badger in German, and “hund” stands for dog. Due to their small size, these pups have become very trendy in recent years, as they are the perfect pets for apartment living, […] Read More

Prehistoric pigs like the Daeodon looked nothing like the farmyard pigs we know today. The Daeodon lived during the Oligocene and Miocene epochs, around 23-20 million years ago. It was much larger than modern-day pigs and not actually related to them at all. Instead, it is more closely related to hippos. Learn more about these […] Read More

Dalmadoodles are working dogs that love having something to do. Whether you train your dalmadoodle to be like its carriage-following Dalmatian ancestors or its rabbit-hunting poodle ancestors, be sure to give your dalmadoodle plenty of small jobs to make it feel useful and loved. What do you get when you cross a Dalmatian with a […] Read More

Dalmadors are loyal dogs that are excited to explore the world. Take your dalmador on plenty of walks; it needs the exercise, and it will 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 […] Read More

Key Points Dalmatians are prone to bladder stones and copper hepatopathy, i.e., high amounts of copper in the blood.The breed requires about 30 – 60 minutes of exercise per day.Dalmatians are easygoing and friendly and will get along with kids although smaller children will need to be monitored to prevent any mishaps from occurring. A […] Read More

Dalmatian mix breeds vary from medium to large dogs, displaying a unique spotted coat. This canine has a playful nature followed by a very energetic personality, making a great companion for anyone looking for an affectionate and loyal friend. This breed of dog loves to go for walks as they explore their surroundings and look […] Read More

Damselfish Summary Damselfish are any of approximately 420 species within the family Pomacentridae. They mainly inhabit the tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Indian, and Pacific Oceans. Despite being territorial, their flashy colors and patterns make them popular aquarium pets. In addition to this, they are incredibly hardy fish that can endure a range […] Read More

Introduction The Dandie Dinmont Terrier is a feisty little dog with enough attitude for a dog three times its size. Bred in Scotland in the 17th or 18th centuries to hunt otters, foxes, rats, and badgers, the Dandie is loyal to its owner but has a strong independent streak, giving it a friendly but stubborn […] Read More

“The ancestors of this breed were used as war dogs by the Mongolian leader Kublai Khan.” Daniff Introduction The Daniff is a recent American mixture of two large breed dogs, the great Dane and the mastiff, breeds with ancient origins in Tibet and the Middle East. The original breeds were developed for hunting large game […] Read More

“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

“If you want a friendly little dog that loves to play and cuddle, this is the breed for you.” Danish Swedish Farmdog Introduction The Danish Swedish farmdog is a small breed that is indigenous, as its name implies, to Denmark and Sweden. Although they are often mistaken for the Jack Russell terrier or similar breeds, […] Read More

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 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 Dachshunds […] Read More

The Dark-Eyed Junco is also known as the Snowbird in the United States. They’re in the sparrow family, and the resemblance is clear, though they’re smaller than most sparrows. It has an extensive list of sub-species found in various regions and their range of colors is quite diverse as well. You would find them in […] Read More

Summary This forest bird, the Dark-Eyed Junco, is one of the most abundant in North America. The Dark-Eyed Junco is a small sparrow that is the most abundant forest bird in North America.  While its body coloring can vary depending on the sub-species and region, they have distinctive bright white tail feathers that can be […] Read More

The Darkling Beetle family has over 20,000 members! That’s right, the Darkling Beetle family is vast but they all share a few physical characteristics. They can be found on almost every continent and in environments from humid to dry, although most do favor dark and dry places. Called Darkling Beetles because they are most active […] Read More

“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

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

The Daug is an adorable hybrid resulting from crossbreeding a Dachshund and a Pug. These dogs are laidback, affectionate, and make great additions to families looking for a companion. However, because the Daug can inherit traits and features from either parent breed, it’s hard to say what they will look like or which temperament they […] Read More

“De Brazza’s get their name from their cryptic nature, often hiding from predators and humans.” Summary The de Brazza’s monkey (Cercopithecus neglectus) is a large guenon primate endemic to Central Africa. They inhabit swamps and mountain forests, where they spend most of their time in trees in small groups. Their names are Italian for “pay […] Read More

De Kay’s brown snake is widespread across the eastern half of North America and Central America. It’s nonvenomous and generally very docile but spends most of its time underground or in otherwise shady locations. This snail and slug-eating snake prefers moist areas near its favorite prey, where people often find them. Incredible Facts Zoologist James […] Read More

“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 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

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

Summary One of nature’s most ingenious disguise artists, decorator crabs belong to the superfamily Majoidea. Sometimes also known as spider crabs, approximately 75% of the species in the family decorate their shells and legs with plants and animals to help them avoid and ward off predators. They live all over the world and thrive as […] Read More

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

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

Roughly 60 different species of deer mice range from Canada to Central America! Deer mice are quite common throughout North America and Central America. They look very similar to the common house mouse, but instead of being uniformly colored, deer mice usually have white or light-colored undersides and light colored or naked feet. They belong […] Read More

“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

Deinocheirus was a bizarre dinosaur that lived in Asia during the Late Cretaceous around 70 million years ago. For up to 50 years after its first discovery, scientists struggled to determine its appearance or habits. You can compare this dinosaur to a giant goose because of its beaked head, a camel because of its hump, […] Read More

Deinosuchus is an extinct crocodyliform that was closely related to crocodiles and alligators. This extinct reptile lived during the Cretaceous era 82-73 million years ago. It lived alongside many giant animals, including dinosaurs, giant sharks, and marine reptiles like mosasaurs. This 33-foot-long alligator lived in North America and was one of the most formidable carnivores […] Read More

Desert ghost ball pythons are beautiful, but when bred to other ball python morphs, they make everything even more beautiful. These snakes were first produced in 2003 and since then have found their way into many different ball pythons morphs because of their ability to improve and clarify patterns and colors. Desert ghost ball pythons […] Read More

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 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

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

“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

The desert wolf is the smallest subspecies of the gray wolf family, commonly referred to as the Arabian wolf. These scrappy canines originate from the Arabian Peninsula but also occur in various regions of northern Asia. While they share many traits with their bigger cousin, Arabian wolves differ in a few notable ways. For example, […] Read More

Desmostylus is an extinct genus of herbivorous mammals that lived from the Late Oligocene to the Miocene. This massive and heavily built marine creature belongs to the family Desmostylidae. It was a peculiar animal with an interesting appearance and no living descendants. This makes it difficult to trace its lineage or describe many of its […] Read More

Key Points Both male and female members of the breed are of a similar size and weight.Members of this breed are rather prone to hip dysplasia and bloat.Deutsche Brackes are affectionate, but also demand a great deal of attention too. The Deutsche Bracke is a mid-size breed with a tricolor coat and a long tail. […] Read More

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

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

“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 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 are […] Read More

The diamond python is a subspecies of carpet python that occurs in southeastern Australia near the coast. While its native environment includes forests with trees to climb, this semi-arboreal snake is often found near human settlements. It is versatile and found in attic crawl spaces and other rooftop locales slithering about looking for rats and […] Read More

The larvae of diamondback moths are voracious pests and are growing resistant to insecticides. Summary The diamondback moth is a small moth that is most popular as a pest of cruciferous vegetables. These insects commonly attack vegetables like cabbage, Brussels sprouts, broccoli, rutabaga, and cauliflower. Although they are small, they are usually quite numerous, causing […] Read More

“The dickcissel is named for its song, which sounds like d’d’dick-ciss-ciss-ciss!” Summary The dickcissel is a small songbird native to the warm regions of the western hemisphere. It is a seed-eating bird that migrates with the seasons. Males and females have similar patterns on their plumage, however, the saturation of the colors may vary between […] Read More

Introduction The Dickinsonia is an extinct genus of basal animal, and they lived during the Ediacaran period that lasted for 96 million years. You will find the Dickinsonia in the places we now know as China, India, Russia, Australia, and Ukraine and resembles a bilaterally symmetrical oval. The remains of this creature are in sandstone […] Read More

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

Fans of the Jurassic Park franchise would probably recognize the Dilophosaurus as the frilled dinosaur capable of spitting venom at its prey. However, the real-life version of this dinosaur was remarkably different from this. This theropod dinosaur lived in North America during the early Jurassic Period, about 193 million years ago. It was a voracious […] Read More

Dimetrodon is an extinct, mammal-like animal that lived during the Early Permian Period, around 295–272 million years ago. Several ancient animal fossils have been discovered in the southwestern part of the US. Although it is commonly mistaken for a dinosaur, the Dimetrodon is older than the earliest dinosaurs by about 40 million years. Dimetrodon was an […] Read More

Though there are many species under the broad umbrella of “wood rat,” we will speak here of the genus Nelsonia (diminutive woodrat), which includes two species and one subspecies: the Western diminutive woodrat, Goldman’s diminutive woodrat, and a subspecies of Goldman’s woodrat discovered by Percy Clifton, Nelsonia goldmani cliftoni. These are distinct from the broader […] Read More

The dingo is the only canine species native to Australia. Doting parents but fierce predators, dingoes are animals that are well-adapted to 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

Hyenas today are among the most ferocious predators. But their ancient ancestors were just as dreadful. The Dinocrocuta was a prehistoric carnivore with a similar build as present-day hyenas. This animal was at the apex of the food chain across various habitats in Africa and Asia during the Miocene Epoch. Dinocrocuta had very strong jaws […] Read More

Introduction The dinofelis is a genus of saber-toothed cats that belonged to either the Smilodontini or Meailurini tribe. These extinct creatures inhabited parts of Europe, Africa, Asia, and North America between 5 to 1.2 million years ago. They existed during the early Pliocene and Pleistocene Periods. Dinofelis were around the same size and build as […] Read More

Description & Size The Dinopithecus is an extinct genus, the name of which means “terrible ape”. They were a large primate closely related to the baboon.  They lived in South Africa and Ethiopia from the Pliocene to the Pleistocene Epochs. Because they were only found in certain areas, it is believed they lived in specific habitats. […] Read More

In order to hatch, Dinosaur Shrimp eggs must dehydrate and then be rehydrated. The Dinosaur Shrimp, also commonly called the American tadpole shrimp or the longtail tadpole shrimp, is a freshwater crustacean that looks like a miniature horseshoe crab.  They are an ancient animal that hasn’t changed much since the Devonian period, about 419 million […] Read More

Dinosaurs lived throughout the Mesozoic era, starting 245 million years ago. Introduction Dinosaurs are a large, extinct group of reptiles that lived during the Mesozoic era, starting roughly 245 million years ago. They lasted about 180 million years through the Triassic, Jurassic, and Cretaceous periods. The large variations among the dinosaurs allowed them to survive […] Read More

There are so many diplodocus fossils that it is one of the best-studied dinosaurs, and a favorite for its whip-cracking tail! The diplodocus might be one of the most easily recognizable dinosaurs. The many pop culture references to diplodocuses include a cameo in the classic Disney film Fantasia and a portrayal in the classic animated […] Read More

Diprotodon was one of the first fossil mammals from Australia. It is also one of the most well-known megafaunas in the world. Also known as the giant wombat, the Diprotodon is a much bigger version of the modern wombat and a close relative of the koalas. It lived for about 2.6 million years and went […] Read More

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 200 lbs., these relatives of the gray wolf (Canis lupus) were about 25% larger than the biggest modern wolf species. In fact, […] Read More

Ctenoidea ales is better known by its common name, the disco clam. This unique marine bivalve mollusk belongs to the family Limidae. Along with the rough file clam, it’s one of the only two bivalves known to emit flashing light. You can find these clams throughout the waters of the central Indian and Pacific Oceans. […] Read More

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

The diving bell spider, also known as a water spider, is an aquatic species of spider that can be found in freshwater habitats throughout Asia and Europe. The diving bell spider lives an interesting life that sets it apart from other species of spider, living in water instead of on land. The only time the […] Read More

Diving ducks are expert swimmers. These North American waterfowl can dive tens of feet into the water to find their food and hold their breaths for incredible amounts of time. Unlike their dabbling cousins, they are not so adept at walking on land, but they can hold their own in the water and in the […] Read More

Key Points Dobermans are highly intelligent and consistent training can yield excellent results.They are also very playful and get along well with children.Because they are rather energetic, they require a great deal of exercise. With a very powerful and sleek body type, the Doberman Pinscher is known to be one of the noblemen of the […] Read More

Dobsonflies are a group of insects that belong to the family Corydalidae. Insects in this subfamily are large and fearsome-looking. They’re among the largest aquatic insects in North America. Anglers popularly use the larvae of dobsonflies (hellgrammites) as fish bait. The larvae live in streams. Adults often sit near water bodies.  Dobsonflies Species, Types, and […] Read More

First discovered in 1598 by European sailors, the large, flightless dodo has since become a sort of byword for clumsiness and backwardness. Dodos may have become synonymous with stupidity in pop culture, but these birds adapted and survived over millions of years in the relatively harsh environment of Mauritius. If anything doomed the dodo, it […] Read More

Doedicurus is an extinct genus of heavily-armored armadillos native to South America. The genus has only one species; D. clavicaudatus. It belongs to the family Chlamyphoridae, along with the modern armadillo species. They lived during the Pleistocene and survived until about 7000 years ago.  Description & Size Doedicurus is a genus of extinct mammals that […] Read More

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 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

Key Points Dogo Argentinos are extremely clever and therefore easy to train.They are also very affectionate, although they do not take well to strangers.In spite of having a short white coat, they shed heavily. Despite its recent recognition, Dr. Antonio Nores Martinez created this breed almost 100 years earlier in 1928. The American Kennel Club […] Read More

Key Points One of the biggest health issues this breed faces is gastric dilatation and volvulus, which is the scientific term for serious bloating.It is known for its laid-back demeanor and loyalty and is an excellent family pet.This breed was revived by Raymond Triquet and other enthusiasts when its numbers plummeted around the Second World […] Read More

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

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

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. History and Description 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 […] Read More

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

The Dorking chicken has a great lineage that dates back centuries. They are native to England, but there are theories that they actually originated in Italy during the Roman Empire period. These chickens are famous for their meat and eggs but are extremely rare. There are so many positives about these birds, from their appearance […] Read More

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

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

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

“Downy woodpeckers look slightly different depending on where they are located.” The little woodpeckers are a common sight at bird feeders and in gardens. Often, they join flocks of other birds to perform acrobatic feats of foraging. You’ll often find them balancing on tiny branches and along wires. 4 Amazing Downy Woodpecker Facts Birds of […] Read More

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

Doxles have long floppy ears. 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 due […] Read More

Draco Volans is known as “The Flying Lizard” or “The Gliding Lizard. ” This lizard is known by its scientific name of Draco Volens, but it is often called the common flying dragon. Although volans means “flying,” this lizard doesn’t really fly but glides. It uses patagia, membranes that are attached to its ribs, to […] Read More

“Dragon eels have double jaws and two sets of razor-sharp teeth.” Dragon moray eels might look menacing, but they are actually spectacular animals. Their vibrant colors are enough to mesmerize anyone who comes across them. Their bodies are covered in orange, red, yellow, white, and black markings. But, when you combine their large size, exposed […] Read More

The dragon snake (Xenodermus javanicus) is a semi-fossorial snake in the family Xenodermidae. This small snake is native to Southeast Asia and is most common on the Island of Java. Dragon snakes feature raised dorsal scales that resemble the spikes commonly depicted on mythical dragons, hence their name. When stressed, they exhibit a unique defense […] Read More

Dragonfish can emit red light from their eyes which they usually use for hunting down prey. Dragonfish is a name that covers a wide variety of small fishes that have similar characteristics. These fish are usually found in warmer waters, especially in the Indo-Pacific. Dragonfish have large heads, a broad jaw, and protruding teeth. This […] Read More

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

The Dreadnoughtus belongs to a clade of dinosaurs known as the Titanosaurus. Titanosaurian dinosaurs are known for their massive size, and experts now believe that the Dreadnoughtus was the largest of them all. The dinosaur that lived during the Late Cretaceous is now considered the largest terrestrial vertebrate to have ever walked the planet.  Taxonomy […] Read More

Key Points Although a generally healthy breed, Drevers are prone to obesity.They are known for having a mind of their own and as a result, are best trained early.Drevers’ short rough coats, shed moderately. Drevers are excellent at driving deer towards their owners, but they can also be very useful for hunting other animals such […] Read More

“This massive flightless bird weighed as much as a full-grown horse.” Dromornis stirtoni Facts Dromornis stirtoni lived in Australia during the Pleistocene epoch, around 2.6 million to 11,700 years ago.It was a massive flightless bird of up to 1,100 pounds, but it still had wings that may have been used for balance or display.Its exact […] Read More

The drum fish lives up to its rather literal name by emitting a very loud, repetitive, throbbing 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 […] Read More

“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

“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

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 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 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

Nearly all Dungeness Crab bought in the U.S. are harvested in the U.S., unlike the majority of other seafood, which is imported. They can be found as far north as the Aleutian Islands of Alaska, and as far south as Magdalena Bay in Baja California, Mexico. They are considered a “Good Alternative,” a rating given […] Read More

Key Points Dunkers were bred to have an impressive ability to cope with frost.They require about 60 minutes of exercise daily since they were bred to be hunting dogs.In spite of their affectionate nature, they are also wilful and may require an experienced trainer. Dunkers are a medium-sized scenthound that can be very affectionate. A […] Read More

Dunkleosteus is a genus of large, armored fish that lived during the Devonian Period. It is one of the earliest jawed fish to have ever lived. The fish is known for its enormous bite force and could close its mouth rapidly like modern, suction-feeding fish. Dunkleosteus lived in North America, Morocco, Belgium, and Poland about […] Read More

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

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 mammals that both breathe air in […] Read More

The dusky shark is one of the largest in the shark species and has a long streamlined body. Their backs are brownish-gray, and they have a pale white underbelly. Dusky sharks are in high demand in the shark fin trade. Unfortunately, their fins are large and valuable, making them victims of human capture, especially in […] Read More

Summary Once the most popular of all rabbit breeds, the Dutch rabbit is an old and distinctive breed. Also known as the Hollander or Brabander, the Dutch rabbit is not actually from the Netherlands as its name suggests. First developed in England during the 1830s, the Dutch rabbit comes from an ancient stock of meat […] Read More

The Dutch Shepherd is a sheep-herding dog hailing from the Netherlands, in use by shepherds and farmers for keeping flocks in line. These dogs are naturally occurring shepherd dogs in rural areas of the Netherlands, and officials first wrote the breed standards in 1898. Initially, the Dutch Shepherd’s coat could be any color. In 1914, […] Read More

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

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 body (most […] Read More

Dwarf gourami (Trichogaster lalius) is a species of colorful freshwater fish. They inhabit the waters of Southern Asia and are often aquarium pets. These are small-sized fish, 2 to 5 inches, that are available in many color and pattern variations. Dwarf gouramis were first described by F. Hamilton in 1822, and live in places like […] Read More

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