Animals in Italy

Below you’ll find a complete list of Italian animals with pictures. We currently track 279 animals in Italy and add more daily!

National Animal of Italy: Italian Wolf
Approximate Number of Animal Species in Italy (Excluding Bacteria, Viruses): 57,000
Most Dangerous Animal in Italy: Marsican Brown Bear

Italy Wildlife and Geography

Italy is a biodiversity hot spot that’s home to more animal species than any other European country. Impressively, a third of the continent’s fauna is represented in Italy. Why? Because the boot-shaped peninsula is the joint connecting Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Africa, and the Middle East. As such, it’s a cornucopia of ecological features that includes the Alps and Apennine mountain ranges, central woodlands, and southern shrublands. The fauna-rich cherry on top is Italy’s 4,900 miles (8,000 kilometers) of coastline that falls smack in the middle of the Mediterranean Basin biodiversity zone.

Italy’s wildlife is so impressive that UNESCO declared the Dolomiti Bellunesi National Park a World Heritage Site in 2009.

Animals of Italy

Excluding bacteria, viruses, and most microscopic invertebrates, Italy is home to about 57,000 known species, 4,777 of which are endemic to the region.

Italian Mammals

Smallest Animals: Shrews — The smallest mammal in the world, known as the Etruscan shrew, is native to Italy.
©Wirestock Creators/Shutterstock.com

Between 102 and 126 mammal species live within Italy and its surrounding waters. According to the IUCN, of those mammals, four are Near Threatened, nine are Vulnerable, two are Endangered, and one, the North Atlantic right whale, is Critically Endangered.

Commonly spotted mammals in Italy include several types of shrews, Alpine marmots — which look like chubby squirrels — European snow voles, wild boars, and steinbocks.

Notably, Etruscan shrews — the smallest known mammal by mass — reside in Italy. The tiny and solitary animals weigh only .063 ounces, which is about half as heavy as a pencil. Another standout Italian mammal is the Alpine ibex. Found in northern Italian mountain ranges, males of the goat-antelope species are known for their gigantic, backward-hooking horns.

Italian Birds

Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) standing on a post. — Eurasian Eagle-owl (Bubo bubo) standing on a post in Italy.
©LesPalenik/Shutterstock.com

How many bird species are in Italy? The latest count stands at 516, but only about 267 nest in the nation. Bluethroats, hoopoe, and the stunning European roller, with its turquoise and electric blue feather patterns, are common. Birds of prey in the region include Bonelli’s eagles, Eurasian eagle-owl, and the griffon vulture.

The bluethroat is a small, migratory bird native to Europe and Asia. It can be found in grasslands, thickets, forests, and wetlands during migration. The Hoopoe is a colorful bird that lives in open countryside with trees or shrubs for cover. It eats invertebrates like worms and insects, as well as fruits and berries. The European roller has an impressive turquoise-and-electric blue feather patterning which makes it stand out from its peers. They inhabit open countries with plenty of trees, such as farmland, steppes, wooded areas, and even coastal regions at times.

Birds of prey are common across Italy’s diverse landscapes, too, including the Bonelli’s eagles which feed on medium-sized birds while hunting over open country or near woodland edges. The Eurasian eagle owl inhabits mountain meadows, forest clearings, and cultivated lands. The griffon vulture prefers mountainous terrain but can also live along cliffs close to rivers or coastlines where they feed on carrion mostly obtained by scavenging carcasses of dead animals such as deer or sheep left behind by hunters.

Italian Reptiles and Amphibians

Val Grande National Park, Italy — The ponds and streams of Italy are a great place to see salamanders, frogs and newts in their natural habitat.
©iStock.com/Ivan Yeudashenka

Scientists cannot agree on the number of reptiles and amphibians in Italy. Numbers range between 44 and 59 each. Common reptiles and lizards found in the country include spectacled salamanders, Italian newts, Italian stream frogs, Sicilian pond turtles, and the Italian Aesculapian snakes.

Spectacled salamanders are found mostly in the northern part of Italy, living in moist forests and alpine meadows. Italian newts make their home near ponds and slow-moving streams, typically preferring wooded areas such as beech forests. The Italian stream frogs live mainly along fast-flowing rivers in central Italy, with a preference for rocky habitats.

Sicilian pond turtles inhabit shallow ponds, marshes, and lakes across the island of Sicily while the Italian Aesculapian snakes can be found all over the country, usually close to agricultural lands or scrublands, which provide them with plenty of food sources. All five species share an affinity for humid climates, but they also have specialized requirements that must be met if they are to survive in their respective habitats.

Italian Fish

Animals That Don't Have a Brain - Jellyfish — Jellyfish and many other marine wildlife can be found off the coast of Italy.
©Chai Seamaker/Shutterstock.com

Hundreds of fish and marine mammals swim through Italian waters. Common species include the Italian loach and Italian barbel. Jellyfish, porcelain crabs, and octopus are also plentiful.

In addition to the Italian loach and Italian barbel, many other fish species inhabit the waters of Italy. These include sea bass, mackerel, sole, anchovies, mullet, and tuna. All of these species can be found in abundance in the Mediterranean Sea or the Adriatic Sea.

The largest fish living in Italian waters is probably the bluefin tuna which can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh over 882 lbs. The smallest fish native to Italy is likely one of the goby species, such as the Sicilian Tyrrhenian Goby, which only grows up to 1.5 inches long.

Other aquatic creatures commonly seen around Italy’s coasts include lobsters, shrimps, crabs, and cuttlefish. There are also numerous types of coral reef organisms, such as sponges and anemones, lurking beneath its waves!

Italian Insects

Do Praying Mantises Bite — Green European mantis, Mantis religiosa, and red dragonflies are both native to Italy.
©WildMedia/Shutterstock.com

Insects in Italy are varied and plentiful, with more than 32,000 species recorded. This includes a variety of dragonflies and damselflies, grasshoppers and crickets, butterflies and moths, beetles, true bugs, bees, wasps, ants and sawflies, and flies, as well as many other orders.

Italy is also home to several endemic insect species, including some rare beetle species located in the alpine regions. Insects play an important role in Italian ecology, providing essential services such as pollination for plants but also serving as food sources for birds and mammals.

Researchers and naturalists have observed nearly 200 butterfly and moth species flit through the nation’s skies. Scarlet dragonflies, Cleopatra butterflies, and Praying mantes are all at home in the southern European country.

Endangered Animals in Italy

The Italian Apennine wolf is vulnerable to extinction in Italy.
©iStock.com/Gennaro Leonardi

Below is a table that details a sampling of Italian animals deemed threatened, to some degree, by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature. This Italian endangered animals list is not exhaustive.

Animal	Alternative Name	IUCN Classification	Region	Threats	Interesting Fact
Corsican Hare	Apennine Hare, Italian Hare	Vulnerable	Southern and Central Italy	Habitat Loss, Hunting, Food Competition	Once Regarded As a Subspecies of the European Hare
Sardinian Long-Eared Bat	NA	Vulnerable	Three Caves in Central Sardinia	Tourism Disturbance, Habitat Loss	Only Surviving Mammal Species Endemic to Sardinia
Corsican Red Deer	Corsican Deer, Sardinian Deer	Near Threatened	Corsica Island, Sardinia Island	Habitat Loss	Smallest of the Red Deer Subspecies
Brown Cave Salamander	Gene’s cave salamander, Sardinian cave salamander, Sardinian salamander	Vulnerable	Sardinia	Habitat Loss	Habitat Loss
Italian Cave Salamander	NA	Near Threatened	Northern and Central Apennine Mountains	Habitat Loss	Prefers to Live around Limestone Rock
Monte Albo Cave Salamander	Stefani’s salamander	Near Threatened	Sardinia	Habitat Loss	Reproduces Through Direct Development of Terrestrial Eggs
Sardinian Brook Salamander	Sardinian mountain newt	Endangered	Sardinia	Habitat Loss, Pollution, Tourism Disturbance	Stays Close to Water at All Times
Apennine Yellow-Bellied Toad	NA	Endangered	Throughout Italy	Habitat Loss	Hibernates from November to April
Aeolian Wall Lizard	Raffone’s Wall Lizard	Critically Endangered	Aeolian Islands	Competition with Italian Wall Lizard	Only Four Populations Remain
Salmo Carpio	Carpione, Carpione del Garda	Critically Endangered	Only in Lake Garda	Overfishing, Pollution, Competition	Didn’t Survive in any Other Lakes to which it Was Introduced
Salmo Fibreni	Fibreno Trout	Vulnerable	Lago di Posta Fibreno	Habitat Loss	Freshwater Trout
Common Bent-Wing Bat	Schreibers’s Long-Fingered Bat, Schreibers’s Bat	Vulnerable	Africa, Asia, Europe, Middle East	Pesticides, Habitat Loss	Named after Austrian Naturalist Carl Franz Anton Ritter von Schreibers
Italian Wolf	Apennine Wolf	Vulnerable	Apennine Mountains, Western Alps	Human-Wolf Conflict, Poaching	Protected Since 1970s
Marsican Brown Bear	Apennine Brown Bear	Critically Endangered	Apennine Mountains	Human-Bear Conflict, Habitat Loss	Has a Different Hibernation Routine than Other Brown Bears

Italian officials keep an eye on conservation, and the country supports 20 national parks and 130 regional parks. Additionally, lawmakers have carved out 150 federally protected wildlife territories, 270 state ones, and 16 marine reserves.

The Italian government has taken many steps to protect endangered species in Italy. In particular, the government has established a network of federally protected wildlife areas throughout the country. These areas are important habitats for threatened and endangered species, providing them with much-needed protection from threats such as poaching and habitat destruction.

The Italian government also works closely with environmental organizations, conservation groups, and other stakeholders to develop plans for protecting these areas and their associated species. Additionally, they have created laws that severely punish those found guilty of violating these protections or engaging in activities that could harm the animals living there. All of these efforts are aimed at ensuring the survival of some of Italy’s most vulnerable species so they can continue to be cherished by future generations.

Most Dangerous Animals in Italy

European Wild Cats Cover image — Eurasian lynx can be found in Italy and are dangerous if startled or cornered.
©Tomas Hulik ARTpoint/Shutterstock.com

Italy is bursting at the seams with fauna species, and some are dangerous! Although, compared to a country like Australia, which is awash in lethal animals, Italy’s creatures are comparatively tame.

The six most dangerous animals in Italy are:

Marsican Brown Bears
Eurasian Lynx
Asp Vipers
Jellyfish
Weever Fish
Black Widow Spiders

Marsican Brown Bears, also known as Apennine brown bears, are an endangered species of bear found in the mountains of central Italy. They typically shy away from human contact and rarely attack unless threatened or provoked. However, they can become dangerous if habituated to humans through feeding or carelessness around their young.

Eurasian Lynx is the only species of lynx present in Italy, and it inhabits forest areas across northern and central parts of the country. The animals are generally shy but may become aggressive if startled or cornered by a person.

Asp Vipers are common throughout much of Europe, including Italy, where they inhabit grassy meadows and forests at low altitudes up to about 2200 meters (7,200 feet) above sea level. Though normally non-aggressive towards humans, these snakes will strike when disturbed or threatened and have large fangs that deliver a painful bite with potentially serious consequences for those sensitive to venomous snake bites.

Jellyfish stings can be an issue along Mediterranean beaches, especially during summer months when jellyfish populations swell and warmer water temperatures bring them closer to shorelines than usual. Even though most jellyfish sting sensations will range from just irritating to mildly painful, depending on the severity of the sting. Some box jellyfish species may produce life-threatening reactions in people who experience severe allergic reactions to their toxins.

Weever Fish live on sandy bottoms near rocky coastlines along Italian coasts where they bury themselves in the sand waiting for prey. Their sting is venomous and long-lasting.

3 Rarest Animals in Italy

A female Marsican brown bear walking through the forest — Marsican brown bears are significantly smaller than grizzlies and are a rare sight in Italy.
©Claudio Bottoni/Shutterstock.com

The rarest animals in Italy that are not extinct or endangered are the Iberian lynx, the Marsican brown bear, and the Italian wolf. The Iberian lynx is a wildcat native to the region of Andalusia in Spain and can occasionally be spotted across southern Italy. Its habitat includes forests, shrubland, mountains, and grasslands.

The Marsican brown bear is an endangered species found only in central Italy’s Abruzzo National Park, where it inhabits forested areas near rivers and streams. Lastly, we have the Italian Wolf, which lives mainly within protected national parks throughout mainland Italy but can also be seen roaming through alpine regions bordering France and Switzerland. These wolves typically inhabit mountainous terrain with dense vegetation located close to water sources such as lakes or rivers.

Largest Animals in Italy

Marsican Bear — Rare sighting of a Marsican Brown Bear above a pear tree in Italy. There are only 50 left in the country.
©Massimiliano Paolino/Shutterstock.com

The largest animal in Italy is the brown bear. They can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh around 478 pounds!

The Marsican brown bear is the largest animal in Italy, but it is also one of the most endangered species. It was estimated that only 50-60 bears were living in Italy’s Central Apennines as of 2018. Unfortunately, their numbers have been decreasing due to poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal hunting. The Italian government has taken steps to protect the remaining Marsican brown bears by setting up protected areas for them. They are currently listed as an endangered species on the IUCN Red List, and efforts are being made to increase their population through breeding programs.

Other large animals that live in Italy include wolves, wild boars, foxes, roe deer, chamois, red deer, marmots, and ibex. These animals are all found in the Italian Alps or other mountainous regions throughout the country. Some of them also inhabit forested areas as well as fields and wetlands.

National Animal of Italy

An Apennine wolf in the wild close up — Apennine wolves live in Italy and Switzerland in the wild. There are only 600-700 left.
©iStock.com/Ciro de Simone

The Italian wolf — also known as the Apennine wolf — is the national animal of Italy. Its symbolism dates back to the mythological story of Romulus and Remus. According to legend, a she-wolf discovered the infant twins and kept them alive via interbreed suckling. Eventually, humans took the boys in, and they went on to found the nation of Rome.

Italian wolves are a subspecies of grey wolves native to the Italian Peninsula. Today, between 600 and 700 individuals are alive and well. But in the not-too-distant past, only about 70 Italian wolves were left. Thanks to public and private conservation efforts, the species is making a comeback.

Flag of Italy

The flag of Italy is a vertical tricolor with the colors green, white, and red. These three colors have been associated with Italy for centuries, but it was Napoleon who first chose them for the modern Italian flag.

It is said that he designed this tricolor to combine the symbolic colors of two existing flags. One from Milan (red and white) and another from Genoa (green). On January 7th, 1797, the design was formally adopted by France as its national flag.

The meaning behind this combination has changed over time. It was originally used to represent the House of Savoy, a powerful Italian dynasty that once ruled over much of what is now modern-day Italy. Today however, the tricolor represents hope in renewal for Italy after years of strife, faithfulness to traditional values and culture, as well as love for one’s homeland. In addition to its symbolic importance in terms of national pride and identity, it also serves as an important reminder that despite their differences, each region within Italy still works together towards a common goal – making Italy great again!

National Parks in Italy

Italy is a country of unparalleled beauty, and its national parks are no exception. From the majestic Dolomites in the north to the lush greenery of Maremma Natural Park in Tuscany. Italy features some of the world’s most spectacular outdoor scenery. Whether you’re looking for thrilling hikes, scenic drives, or peaceful camping trips, there’s something for everyone at any one of these ten popular national parks in Italy.

At Gran Paradiso National Park near Aosta Valley, visitors can explore alpine lakes and meadows filled with wildlife, such as ibex and chamois. For a more coastal experience, head to Asinara National Park on Sardinia Island, where you can take part in activities such as snorkeling and boat tours around the island’s many coves. And if it’s history that interests you, then visit Pollino National Park, located along southern Italy’s Ionian Sea coastline, which was once home to ancient Greek settlements dating back thousands of years ago.

For an unforgettable adventure through some of Europe’s most beautiful landscapes, be sure to explore one or all ten of these stunning national parks when visiting Italy!

Plants Native to Italy

field of crocuses blooming around tree stump — You can see fields of crocuses blooming all around Italy
©

The landscape of native Italy is incredibly diverse and is home to many breathtaking trees. While most of Italy is made up of evergreens, the country boasts a wide variety of ornamentals and fruit trees. Among the most breathtaking trees, we can find the Mediterranean cypress, the Italian stone pine, the downy oak, the black poplar, and more.

Italy is home to a wide variety of native plants and wildflowers, from the Mediterranean coastline to the Alps. Commonly found wildflowers in Italy include cyclamen, edelweiss, crocus flowers, buttercups, poppies, lilies, and gentians. These can be found throughout the country during springtime when they are at their most vibrant and abundant.

The most common type of tree in Italy is the Italian alder tree (Alnus cordata), which grows across much of the north-central part of Italy. This species has an impressive growth rate that allows it to thrive even in challenging climates with cold temperatures or poor soil conditions. Additionally, this species produces nitrogen-rich fruits that attract wildlife, such as birds and other small animals.

Italian Animals

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Apennine Wolf

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

Arctic Char

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

Armyworm

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

Asian Lady Beetle

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

Asp

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

Aurochs

Extinct ancestor of all domesticated cattle!

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Badger

Can reach speeds of 30 km/h!

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Beewolf wasp

They hunt bees

Bergamasco

Bergamascos are excellent problem solvers; they were bred to be independent as they work alongside their nomadic shepherd owners.

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Bolognese Dog

From the northern Italian city of Bologna!

Bracco Italiano

The Bracco Italiano is considered the oldest European pointer. It was a popular hunting dog during the Renaissance, being bred by both the Medici and Gonzaga families.

Brown-banded Cockroach

Females glue egg cases to furniture

Brown Bear

A dominant predator in it's environment!

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Bumblebee

The most common species of bee!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Camel Cricket

The camel crickets that are found in the USA are light brown in color. They also have dark streaks all over their body.

Cane Corso

Cane Corsos nearly became extinct in the mid 1900’s, but the breed was revived by a group of Italians. Even so, they still didn’t become known in many other parts of the world until after 1988.

Carpenter Ant

Carpenter ants can lift up to seven times their own weight with their teeth!

Cat

First domesticated by the Ancient Egyptians!

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Cave Bear

Cave bears may have been worshiped by primitive humans.

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Chamois

Natively found in the European mountains!

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Cinereous Vulture

This vulture can fly at great heights. At least one was found a few thousand feet from the top of Mount Everest.

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Codling Moth

Pupae are able to undergo diapause to survive poor fruit yield years and winter.

Common Buzzard

The most common raptor in the UK!

Common European Adder

European adders are the only snake that lives above the Arctic Circle.

Common Frog

Found throughout the European continent!

Common Furniture Beetle

The common furniture beetle feeds exclusively on wood

Common House Spider

House spiders have the ability to eat most insects in a home.

Common Loon

Also known as the Great Northern Diver

Common Raven

A group of ravens is called an unkindness or a conspiracy.

Common Toad

Most active in wet weather!

Cormorant

They can fly 35 mph and dive 150 feet below water.

Cow

There are nearly 1.5 billion worldwide!

Crab

There are 93 different crab groups

Crab Spider

Crab Spiders can mimic ants or bird droppings

Crane

Many are critically endangered species!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Deer

There are around 40 different species!

Devil’s Coach Horse Beetle

The Devil’s coach horse beetle can emit a noxious substance to deter predators

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dormouse

Found in Europe, Africa and Asia!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dusky Shark

The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.

Eagle

Has exceptional eyesight!

Earthworm

They are hermaphrodites, which means they have male and female organs

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Edible Frog

Are known to guard the muddy banks!

Eel

Eels can be a mere few inches long to 13 feet!

Egyptian Vulture

They steal large ostrich eggs and use rocks and pebbles to crack the shells.

Eider

Eiders are sexually dimorphic, with males being larger and more colorful.

Eurasian Beaver

Eats 20% of its weight daily!

Eurasian Bullfinch

The shy eurasian bullfinch prefers to forage very close to cover.

Eurasian Eagle-owl

The Eurasian Eagle-owl is the second largest owl in the world with a wingspan up to six feet!

Eurasian Jay

The Eurasian jay has the ability to mimic other sounds

Eurasian Lynx

Eurasian lynxes can survive extreme weather up to elevations of 18,000 feet

European Bee-Eater

They can eat up to 250 bees per day!

European Corn Borer

Female can lay up to 600 eggs in her 14-day lifespan

European Goldfinch

They are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, especially those containing niger seeds.

European Robin

Male robins are so aggressive and territorial that they will attack their own reflections.

European Wildcat

A group of wild cats is called a destruction

Falcon

The fastest creatures on the planet!

Fallow deer

The fallow deer has more variation in its coat colors than most other deer.

False Widow Spider

False spiders actually prey on black widow spiders and other hazardous spiders

Ferret

Ferrets can be trained to do tricks like dogs!

Fire-Bellied Toad

Found across mainland Europe and Asia!

Fire Salamander

Its name comes from the fact that people once believed it was born in fire

Firefly

The firefly produces some of the most efficient light in the world

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flying Squirrel

Can glide up to 90 meters!

Fox

Only 12 species are considered "true foxes"

Frizzle Chicken

Frizzle chickens are known for their frizzled feathers, which result from a genetic mutation.

Frog

There are around 7,000 different species!

Fruit Fly

Fruit flies are among the most common research animals in the world

Gadwall

They make many sounds when trying to attract a mate.

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Glass Lizard

Can grow up to 4ft long!

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Goat

Most closely related to the Sheep!

Goldcrest

The goldcrest never starts moving and needs to consume for most of the day to survive. Therefore, in the colder months, it's best that eat 90% a day.

Golden Eagle

Their calls sound like high-pitched screams, but they are quiet most of the time.

Golden Oriole

Migrates between Europe and Asia!

Goose

There are 29 different species!

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Grey Heron

Male grey herons are picky about their mates. They'll reject a female that they don't fancy.

Griffon Vulture

Can spot a dead animal from thousands of feet away

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk Moth Caterpillar

Many hawk moth caterpillars eat toxins from plants, but don’t sequester them the way milkweed butterflies do. Most toxins are excreted.

Hedgehog

Thought to be one of the oldest mammals on Earth!

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Honey Bee

There are only 8 recognized species!

Honey Buzzard

Honey buzzards are medium-sized raptors that earned their names by raiding the nests of bees and wasps.

Hoopoe

Stunning bird with a stinky way to deter predators!

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

Horseflies have been seen performing Immelmann turns, much like fighter jets.

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntsman Spider

Some huntsman spiders have an interesting way of moving around. Some cartwheel while others do handsprings or backflips.

Ibex

Can jump over 6 feet straight up from a standstill

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Italian Greyhound

The Italian Greyhound is a miniature dog with a big motor and personality!

Ivy Bee

N/A

Jack Crevalle

One of the biggest species in the Caranx genus

Jackdaw

The jackdaw tends to mate for life with a single partner

Japanese Beetle

Can clear an entire fruit tree in 15 minutes in a swarm

Jumping Spider

Some can jump 50 times the length of their bodies

King Eider

The species name, spectabilis, is Latin for “showy” or “remarkable,” referencing the attractiveness of the adult male’s plumage.

Kingfisher

Inhabits wetlands and woodlands worldwide!

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Lagotto Romagnolo

The Lagotto Romagnolo is the only internationally recognized purebred truffle-hunting dog.

Lazarus Lizard

Lazarus Lizards can communicate through chemical and visual signals.

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Lemming

Does not hibernate during the bitter Arctic winter!

Linnet

While linnets are monogamous during mating season, they do not mate for life. While breeding pairs are together, the males are highly territorial and will defend the nesting site and the surrounding area.

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Loach

Have sharp spines below their eyes

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Long-Eared Owl

Ear tufts make it look bigger!

Long-Tailed Tit

Often hangs upside down while feeding!

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Maltese

Originally bred in Europe!

Maremma Sheepdog

Marmot

A marmot spends 80% of its life below ground

Marsh Frog

Has bright green skin!

Marsican Brown Bear

They do not fall completely asleep during hibernation but wake up from time to time during the winter to walk around.

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Merganser

They line their nests with their feathers

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Cricket

Adult Mole crickets may fly as far as 5 miles during mating season and are active most of the year.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mule

The offspring of a horse and donkey parents!

Neanderthal

Roamed Asia and Europe for around 100,000 years!

Neapolitan Mastiff

Fearless and extremely protective of it's home!

Nematode

Nematodes range in size from 1/10 of an inch to 28 feet long

Newt

Able to regrow lost or damaged limbs!

Nightingale

Named more than 1,000 years ago!

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Northern Pintail

Northern pintails migrate at night with speeds reaching 48 miles per hour!

Nose-Horned Viper

The fangs of a nose-horned viper can be as long as half an inch!

Nut Weevil

Bore holes in tree nuts and lay their eggs inside

Nutria

An invasive species, one female nutria can birth up to 200 babies in just a few years of living!

Old House Borer

Depending on the habitat and climate, these beetles can live between 2 to 10 years, often staying in their larval stage for several years, making them extremely dangerous to wooden structures.

Oleander Hawk Moth

Oleander hawk moth caterpillars feed on the foliage of oleander, an extremely toxic plant to which they are immune.

Olm

Inhabits dark underwater caves

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Ortolan Bunting

The tradition of hiding your face with a napkin or towel while eating this bird was begun by a priest who was a friend of the great French gastronome Jean Anthelme Brillat-Savarin.

Osprey

They reuse nesting sites for 70 years!

Otter

There are 13 different species worldwide

Owl

The owl can rotate its head some 270 degrees

Parakeet

Monk parakeets are the only parakeets that actually build nests. They’re also the only parakeets to nest in great colonies.

Peppered Moth

Teachers in schools often use the evolution of the peppered moth as a good example of Darwin’s theory of natural selection.

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pig

Thought to have been domesticated in 9,000 BC!

Pigeon

They can find their way back to their nests from up to 1300 miles away.

Pika

Found in mountainous regions and rocky areas

Pike Fish

Pine Marten

A pine marten can jump from tree to tree similar to a squirrel.

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Pond Skater

There are 500 different species!

Pool Frog

The rarest amphibian in the UK!

Porcupine

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Pterodactyl

Pterodactyl is not technically a dinosaur. Although they lived during the same time as dinosaurs, they are classified as winged reptiles.

Purple Emperor Butterfly

Inhabits deciduous forests!

Puss Moth

Caterpillars squirt formic acid!

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Rabbit

There are more than 300 different species!

Raccoon

Known to wash their food before eating it!

Raccoon Dog

The only hibernating canine!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Red Deer

A male red deer shows his age in his antlers, which become longer and more branched every year.

Redstart

They build their nests off the ground in tree holes, cavities, stone walls, and roofs

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rodents

The capybara, the world’s largest rodent, likes to be in and around bodies of water. Because of this, the Catholic Church in South America decided that it was a fish, and people were allowed to eat it during Lent and First Fridays.

Roe Deer

The roe is one of the most popular game animals in Europe

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)

Its scientific name, lagopus, is Ancient Greek for “hare” and “foot,” referring to its feathered feet and toes.

Sable Ferret

Ferrets were used during the Revolutionary War to keep down the rat population.

Salamander

There are more than 700 different species!

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sand Lizard

Males turn green in spring!

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Eagle

The sea eagle tends to mate for life with a single partner

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

Short-Eared Owl

The short-eared owl is one of the most widespread owl species in the world, covering five continents.

Shrew

The spinal column of the shrew Scutisorex somereni is so strong and reinforced that it can support the weight of an adult human.

Shrimp

There are 2,000 different species worldwide!

Skink Lizard

Some skinks lay eggs in some habitats while giving birth to skinklets in other habitats.

Slow Worm

Found widely throughout British gardens!

Slug

They glide around on one foot, which is aided by the slime they produce

Smokybrown Cockroach

Has up to 45 eggs per egg case

Snail

There are nearly 1,000 different species!

Snake

There are around 4,000 known species worldwide

Snowy Owl

One of the largest owl species in the world!

Song Thrush

A male song thrush can have over 100 phrases in his repertoire of songs and can imitate pet birds, telephones and other man-made objects.

Spadefoot Toad

They spend most of their time underground!

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Spider Wasp

They prey on spiders to feed their larvae or they parasitize other spider wasps.

Spinone Italiano

They're one of the oldest hunting breeds on Earth.

Squirrel

Small rodents found in woodlands worldwide!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stoat

Average adults weigh about 200 grams!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Tawny Owl

The most widespread owl in Europe!

Teacup Maltese

Greeks used to build tombs for their Maltese.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Theropod

Some theropods had feathers and may have been ancestors of modern birds.

Thornback Ray

The skate with the biggest spines!

Thrush

The American robin is called the robin because its red breast reminded European settlers of the robin back in the old country.

Tick

They inject hosts with a chemical that stops them from feeling the pain of the bite

Tiger Beetle

The adult tiger beetle is one of the fastest land insects in the world

Tiger Moth

The bright colors of this moth are a signal to predators that it has a terrible taste.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Trapdoor spider

Ambush their prey using a trapdoor made of silk

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Turtles

Some species of aquatic turtles can get up to 70 percent of their oxygen through their butt.

Viper

Vipers are one of the most widespread groups of snakes and inhabit most

Volpino Italiano

Almost went extinct before American Eskimo Dog breeders showed interest.

Vulture

There are 30 different species worldwide!

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Vole

The largest Vole species in the UK!

Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae are more dangerous than the adult.

Weasel

The smallest carnivorous mammal in the world!

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

Wild Boar

Males have a top tusk to sharpen the bottom one!

Winter Moth

Only the males fly and the females walk.

Wolf

Thought to date back more than 300,000 years!

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

Unlike most spiders, woodlouse spiders don’t build a web.

Woodpecker

There are 200 different species!

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Wryneck

They feign death by making their bodies limp and closing their eyes.

Xeme (Sabine’s Gull)

They follow after seals and whales to eat their scraps.

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Zebra Mussels

A female zebra mussel can deposit 30,000 to 1,000,000 eggs each year!

Italian Animals List

About the Author

Heather Hall

I am a freelance writer with 22 years of experience. I live in the Pacific Northwest and am surrounded by nature. When I go for my daily runs I often see herds of elk, deer, and bald eagles. I am owned by two dogs who take me on hikes in the mountains where we see coyotes, black bears, and wild turkeys.