Animals in Oceania

Ackie Monitor

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

Admiral Butterfly

Stunningly beautiful wings

Albatross

The largest wingspan of any bird in the world!

Allosaurus

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

Amethystine Python (Scrub Python)

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

Angora Goat

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

Anomalocaris

Ant

First evolved 100 million years ago!

Apple Moth

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

Arafura File Snake

These snakes have rough, file-like skin.

Archerfish

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

Atlas Moth

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

Australian Bulldog

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

Australian Cattle Dog

High energy levels and active minds!

Australian Cockroach

The most common type outdoor roach in Florida

Australian Firehawk

Australian firehawks are the arsonists of the avian world!

Australian Flathead Perch

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

Australian Gecko

Geckos have 100 teeth and continually replace them.

Australian Kelpie Dog

Friendly, intelligent and energetic!

Australian Labradoodle

The "Australian" just refers to where the breed originated

Australian Mist

The only cat breed to originate in Australia.

Australian Shepherd

Sweet, faithful and affectionate!

Australian Terrier

Spirited, alert and courageous!

Australorp Chicken

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

Avocet

Has a curved, upturned beak!

Bagworm Moth

There are approximately 1350 species in the bagworm moth family (Psychidae), which forms part of the order Lepidoptera.

Banana Spider

People spin clothing and fishing nets out of these spiders’ silk.

Bandicoot

Bandicoot Many species are endangered or extinct!

Bark Beetle

Not all bark beetles feed on a tree's bark. Some species feed on fruits, seeds, and other parts of the plant

Barn Owl

Found everywhere around the world!

Barn Swallow

Older offspring help care for new hatchlings.

Bass

Prized by sport fishers for their size and strength

Bat

Detects prey using echolocation!

Beaglier

These dogs have great sniffer abilities

Bearded Dragon

Can grow to up 24 inches long!

Bed Bugs

Bed bugs feed for 4-12 minutes.

Bee

Rock paintings of bees date back 15,000 years

Bee-Eater

They roll around in dirt to prevent external parasites

Beetle

There are more than 350,000 different species

Bichpoo

Despite its small size, the alert nature and sharp bark of this canine make it a good watch dog.

Bilby

In Australia, the chocolate bilby replaces the chocolate bunny for Easter.

Bird

Not all birds are able to fly!

Bird of Paradise

There are around 50 different species!

Biscuit Beetle

The biscuit beetle form a symbiotic relationship with yeast

Black Aphids

One of the most destructive pests in the world

Black-headed python

Black-headed pythons gather heat with their heads while their bodies stay hidden and safe.

Black Widow Spider

They typically prey on insects!

Blacktip Reef Shark

They move in and out of mangrove swamps with the tides.

Blind Snake

The blind snake is often mistaken for a worm.

Blister Beetle

Blister beetles release a toxic fluid that causes blistering when they're threatened.

Blowfly

Can smell rotting carcasses up to one mile away

Blue Andalusian

Blue Andalusian chickens are a classic example used to teach students about genetics!

Blue Dragon Sea Slug

They inflict a painful, venomous sting

Boelen’s python

A single hatchling can go for over $5,000 as a pet.

Boiga

Bombardier Beetle

Spray a noxious solution from their abdomens

Box Jellyfish

Venomous marine animals

Brahminy Blindsnake

These snakes have been introduced to all continents, except Antarctica!

Brazilian Treehopper

“Mild-Mannered Minimonsters”

Bredl’s Python

These snakes love to climb trees, and young snakes often hide high in the branches.

Brown Dog Tick

Can live its entire life indoors

Brown Snake

Causes the most snake bite deaths in Australia!

Brown Tree Snake

People have reported seeing these snakes in Texas, Oklahoma, and Hawaii, but this has never been proven!

Budgerigar

Natively found in Australia!

Burrowing Frog

Found close to marshes, streams and lakes!

Butterfly

There are thought to be up 17,500 species!

Cactus Moth

Cactus moths can cause serious damage to cacti in locations where they have no predators.

Camel

Can survive without water for 10 months!

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.

Campine Chicken

Campine chickens were exported from Belgium by Julius Caesar!

Cane Spider

Cane spiders don't spin webs to catch prey

Carpenter Ant

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

Carpet Beetle

Carpet beetles eat different animal and plant-based products, depending on what stage of their lifecycle they are in; these foods include pollen, flour, wool, and fur.

Carpet Python

Carpet pythons are popular pets because of their calm temperament.

Carrion Beetle

Carrion beetles' diets depend on the specie. Some eat decaying carcasses, while others scavenge in decaying plant matter and dung.

Cashmere Goat

Cashmere goat are named after Kashmir regions of India and Pakistan

Cassowary

Can reach speeds of 30 mph!

Cat

May have been domesticated up to 10,000 years ago.

Caterpillar

The larvae of a moth or butterfly!

Catfish

There are nearly 3,000 different species!

Centipede

There are about 3,000 documented species!

Central Ranges Taipan

The central ranges taipan may be among the deadliest snakes in the world.

Chicken

First domesticated more than 10,000 years ago!

Chigger

Surviving on the skin cells of humans and animals

Children’s python

These snakes come in a wide variety of patterns and colors.

Christmas Beetle

Christmas beetles got their common name because they’re most abundant around Christmas time.

Christmas Island Red Crab

During the breeding season, roads can dangerous for cars as well as the crab. Their shells are so hard they can puncture tires.

Chromodoris Willani

Their skin is toxic

Cicada

Cicadas have one of the longest insect lifespans

Click Beetle

Click beetles are named for the clicking noise they make to escape predators.

Clock Spider

Males make a rhythmic thrumming like a clock

Clothes Moth

Clothes Moths can remain in the larvae stage for up to 2 years, but adults only live 10 days.

Coastal Carpet Python

This subspecies can reach 13 feet, but usually tops out at 9 or 10.

Coastal Taipan

The venom in its bite starts to have adverse effects on a human within 30 minutes

Cochin Chicken

Cochin chickens gifted to Queen Victoria started a craze that lasted more than a decade!

Cockatiel

They have crests that rise or fall depending on their emotions

Cockatoo

Highly social, smart, and chatty bird.

Cockroach

Dated to be around 300 million years old!

Coconut Crab

The largest terrestrial arthropod in the world

Codling Moth

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

Collett’s Snake

Collett’s snake is beautiful but almost as dangerous as a mulga snake.

Comb-crested Jacana

They are busy foragers, always on the move

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 Spotted Cuscus

Has a long, strong prehensile tail!

Cone Snail

Beautiful, but deadly!

Coral Snake

There are over 80 species of coral snake worldwide.

Corella

Corella birds are noisy, especially during the early morning or late evening.

Cormorant

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

Cosmic Caterpillar

Cosmic caterpillars have spots on their back that look like eyes to scare off predators.

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!

Crayfish

Female crayfish aren't that maternal; they have to secrete a form of pheromone, referred to as maternal pheromones, that encourages them to take care of their offspring and prevents them from eating their young.

Crested Gecko

The crested gecko can walk on glass and even has a prehensile tail.

Crested Penguin

Has long yellow eyebrows!

Cricket

Male crickets can produce sounds by rubbing their wings together

Crocodile

Have changed little in 200 million years!

Crocodile Monitor

Its tail is twice the length of its body.

Crocodylomorph

Crocodylomorphs include extinct ancient species as well as 26 living species today.

Crow

A group of these birds is called a Murder.

Cuckoo

Damselfish

Damselfish belong to the family Pomacentridae

Darkling Beetle

Darkling Beetles have segmented antennae. Each one is divided into eleven segments.

Death Adder

The Death Adder is more closely related to the Cobra than other Australian snakes.

Deathwatch Beetle

The adult deathwatch beetle taps on the wood to find a mate.

Diamond Python

These pythons live at higher altitudes and further south than any other python species.

Diamondback Moth

Adult males make high amplitude boing noise to attract females

Dickinsonia

Dingo

Natively found on the Australian continent!

Dinosaur Shrimp

These "shrimp" evolved to survive very harsh climates, which is one reason they have been able to live so long.

Diprotodon

Diprotodon was the largest marsupial that ever lived.

Dobsonfly

The dobsonfly spends up three years as a larva, and only a week as an adult.

Dog

First domesticated in South-East Asia!

Dog Tick

Dog ticks feed on dogs and other mammals

Donkey

First domesticated 5,000 years ago!

Dragonfly

It's larvae are carnivorous!

Dromornis stirtoni

Duck

Rows of tiny plates line their teeth!

Dung Beetle

The dung beetle can push objects many times its own weight

Dunnock

Both male and female dunnocks can have multiple mates every breeding season

Dusky Shark

The Dusky Shark sometimes eats trash discarded by humans.

Earthworm

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

Earwig

There are nearly 2,000 different species!

Eastern Barred Bandicoot

Digs funnel-shaped holes in search of insects

Eastern Brown Snake

Eastern Tiger Snake

More than 10 percent of eastern tiger snakes are blind in at least one eye.

Echidna

Also known as the Spiny Anteater!

Eclectus Parrot

Does not squawk like other parrot species.

Eel

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

Egret

Most species are relatively vocal, making harsh croaking sounds and squeals.

Elephant Fish

Elephant fish are known as the Australian ghost shark, but they are not actually a shark species!

Emerald Tree Monitor

They lay their eggs in termite nests!

Emu

The largest bird in Australia!

English Longhorn Cattle

Although they look similar to the Texas Longhorn, they are not closely related.

Ermine

A very bold and ferocious predator!

European Starling

European starlings are accomplished mimics, often copying songs or sounds of other birds and animals (frog calls, goats, cats), or even mechanical sounds and human speech!

Fairy-Wren

They forage in groups

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

Fancy Mouse

Fancy mice are beloved pets with a history of domestication spanning thousands of years!

Fiddler Crab

The fiddler crab gets its name from the motion the males make with their over-sized claw during the mating ritual.

Fierce Snake

It can kill multiple humans with the amount of venom it releases in one bite.

Finch

Finches have strong, conical bills that help them break open tough seeds that many other birds cannot.

Firefly

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

Fishing Spiders

Fishing spiders have hydrophobic hair on their skin that allows them to survive on water

Flea

Adult fleas can jump up to 7 inches in the air

Flea Beetle

Flea beetles can jump like fleas when threatened.

Flour Beetle

Flour beetles are adapted to survive in very dry environments.

Fly

There are more than 240,000 different species!

Flycatcher

Most of the hundreds of varieties of flycatchers belong to the Tyrannidae and Muscicapidae families!

Freshwater Crocodile

The freshwater crocodile is the fastest crocodile on land.

Frilled Lizard

Mainly lives in the trees!

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 Bat

Among the largest bats in the world

Fruit Fly

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

Galapagos Shark

Galapagos sharks are cannibalistic and sometimes eat their young, so the pups stay away from the adults in shallow water.

Gargoyle Gecko

Gargoyle Geckos are about an inch long and weigh as little as 3 grams when they hatch!

Gecko

There are thought to be over 2,000 species!

German Cockroach

The most common type of urban roach

Giant Trevally

The largest fish in its genus

Giant Weta

They've been around for 190,000,000 years!

Giant Wood Moth

The giant wood moth is the heaviest known moth in the world.

Glowworm

Found inhabiting dense woodland and caves!

Gnat

Males form large mating swarms at dusk

Golden Masked Owl

While flying high above this owl can hear a mouse moving in the tall grass of field!

Gouldian Finch

The male Gouldian finch bobs its head and fluffs its feathers to court a female.

Grasshopper

There are 11,000 known species!

Great Egret

The male egret performs an elaborate courtship display to attract a mate

Green Tree Frog

Green tree frogs breathe through their skin

Green Tree Python

Green tree pythons are non-venomous, so to subdue their prey, they have a couple of very unique and highly successful hunting techniques.

Gypsy Moth

One of the most invasive species in the world

Gypsy Moth Caterpillar

N/A

Haast’s Eagle

The Haast's eagle was the largest eagle to have ever existed.

Hamburg Chicken

This breed doesn't usually make nests or incubate their own chicks.

Hamster

Able to run as quickly backwards as forwards!

Hare

Can reach speeds of over 50 mph!

Hawk

While the Ferruginous hawk is the largest specie in the USA, Asia’s Upland buzzard is the biggest overall.

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.

Helicoprion

Helicoprion was one of the largest cartilaginous fish of all time.

Hercules Moth

Adult Hercules moths don’t eat since they don’t have mouths.

Heron

Inhabits wetlands around the world!

Highland Cattle

Natively found in the Scottish Highlands!

Holy Cross Frog

The holy cross frog has a cross-shaped colored pattern on its back.

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.

Hornbill

The bird has a massive horn on its bill!

Horned Beetle

These beetles are herbivores but have an intimidating appearance because of the horn-like projection on their heads. However, they are entirely harmless to humans, as they don't sting or bite.

Horse

Has evolved over 50 million years!

Horsefly

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

House Sparrow (English Sparrow)

The house sparrow has been introduced all over the world

Housefly

The fly has no teeth

Human

Thought to have orignated 200,000 years ago!

Huntaway

Huntaways have a strong instinct for herding.

Huntsman Spider

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

Ibis

Found in swamps, marshes and wetlands!

Inland Taipan

A single inland taipan bite has enough venom to kill a hundred men.

Insect

Insects go back over 350 million years, making the creatures older than man, flowering plants and dinosaurs.

Insects

There are an estimated 30 million species!

Irukandji Jellyfish

Tiny ocean killer

Jacana

The jacana has the ability to swim underwater

Japanese Bantam Chicken

Japanese bantam chickens are the best flying chicken species

John Dory

The John Dory is often labeled one of the ugliest fish in the world and has no known relatives.

Jungle Carpet Python

Their stunning coloration is sometimes muddy yellow or even tan and black in the wild.

Kagu

The endangered kagu is the only bird in the world with nasal corns!

Kakapo

The heaviest species of parrot in the world!

Kangaroo

Females have a deep pouch on their front!

Katydid

Kea

This lovable pest may come to you asking for food or attempting to steal your belongings! They are named for their loud vocalizations, “kee-aaa!”

Keagle

These adorable dogs are known for their love of children, strangers, and other animals because of their docile demeanor.

Keelback

The checkered keelback of the east Indies can detach its tail and grow it back, much like a lizard.

Kiko Goat

Kiko goats breed year-round, and they are not good at defending themselves.

King Quail

Females look similar to males but don’t come in shades of blue

Kissing Bugs

Kissing bugs derive their name from the location they prefer to bite, which is usually close to the lips of the host

Kitefin Shark

Kiwi

Only found in the forests of New Zealand!

Koala

Spends up to 80% of the time sleeping or resting!

Koolie

The name "koolie" comes from the German mispronunciation of "collie."

Kowari

Kowaris do not drink or take water; all they get is the water content in their diet.

Labout’s Fairy Wrasse

Females are sequential hermaphrodites, which means they can convert to males anytime during their life cycle.

Labradoodle

Friendly and energetic mix-breed!

Lace Bug

May bite when threatened

Lace Monitor

When communicating, they make a loud, terrifying hissing sound, and they will strike any potential danger with their mighty tails.

Ladybug

There are more than 5,000 species worldwide!

Larder Beetle

Larder beetles were named based on their attraction to food storage rooms or cupboards, but they do not feed on stored food products. 

Laughing Kookaburra

The laughing kookaburra is one of four kookaburra species.

Lawnmower Blenny

Must be in temperatures of 78 degrees Fahrenheit to breed

Leafcutter Bee

N/A

Leech

Has 10 pairs of eyes!

Leghorn Chicken

Leghorn chickens, one of the most popular industrial breeds, lay up to 320 eggs per year!

Leichhardt’s Grasshopper

Spend their lives

Leptocephalus

Leptocephali have flat bodies filled with jelly-like substances, surrounded by a thin layer of muscle.

Little Penguin

The smallest species of penguin!

Lizard

There are around 5,000 different species!

Locust

Each locust can eat its weight in plants each day.

Lorikeet

The lorikeet has a long brush-like tongue with fine hairs on it

Lungfish

The lungfish first evolved almost 400 million years ago.

Lyrebird

Lyrebirds mimic birds of prey to deter predators such as birds of prey.

Magpie

They are found across Europe, Asia and Africa!

Mallard

With an appropriate tail wind, the mallard can travel hundreds of miles a day

Maltese Shih Tzu

Both parent breeds, the Maltese and Shih Tzu, once entertained royalty!

Marans Chicken

Marans chickens produce some of the darkest, chocolate-brown eggs in the world!

Marine Toad

Produces a toxin used in arrow darts!

Mayfly

There are 2,500 known species worldwide!

Mealworm Beetle

In 1968, the mealworm beetle traveled to space and circled the moon on the Soviet mission Zond 5.

Mealybug

They have a symbiotic relationship with ants.

Megalania

Some people believe that Megalania still exists in remote areas, although those beliefs have never been validated with evidence. 

Meiolania

The Meiolania had a massive head that it was unable to put fully inside its shell.

Millipede

Some species have a poisonous bite!

Modern Game Chicken

The Modern Game chicken is a lanky bird with legs that go for days!

Mole

Primarily hunts and feeds on Earthworms!

Mole Crab (Sand Flea)

They eat jellyfish tentacles

Mole Cricket

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

Mollusk

Most molluscs have more than one heart

Monarch Butterfly

During migration, Monarch Butterflies may travel 250 or more miles each day.

Mongrel

Has characteristics of two or more breeds!

Monitor Lizard

Some species are thought to carry a weak venom!

Monkey

There are around 260 known species!

Moorhen

Feeds on aquatic insects and water-spiders!

Mosquito

Only the female mosquito actually sucks blood

Moth

There are 250,000 different species!

Mourning Gecko

Mouse

Found on every continent on Earth!

Mouse Spider

The female mouse spider is rarely seen because they don't leave their burrows.

Mulga Snake

Muscovy Duck

Unlike most duck species, the Muscovy is silent and only makes noise when excited or threatened.

Muttaburrasaurus

They stood about 26 feet tall and weighed more than 3 tons, as heavy as today's African forest elephants.

Muttaburrasaurus

Muttaburrasaurus is named after the town of Muttaburra in central Queensland.

Myna Bird

Many people believe the hill myna bird is better at mimicking humans than a parrot!

Nabarlek

Nabarleks have teeth like a shark, with new molars continuously emerging from the back.

Naegleria

Causes primary amoebic meningoencephalitis

Needlefish

no stomach to digest food

Nematode

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

Neptune Grouper

The largest recorded specimen ever caught was 17" long

Nicobar pigeon

Unlike other pigeons, Nicobar pigeons don't fly in haphazard flocks but in columns or single file.

No See Ums

There are more than 5,000 species.

Norway Rat

Numbat

There are less than 1,000 left in the wild!

Nuthatch

Nuthatches spend a lot of their time upside down.

Oenpelli python

Oenpelli pythons are unusually thin for a python.

Olive python

The olive python is a gentle giant that is rarely aggressive.

Oranda Goldfish

Oranda goldfish are one of the most popular fancy goldfish breeds

Orb Weaver

Females are about four times the size of males

Oriental Cockroach

Unlike other cockroach species that live indoors living off humans, oriental cockroaches are outdoor scavengers. 

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

Owlfly (Ascalaphidae)

Adult owlflies can capture prey while flying in the air.

Pacific Spaghetti Eel

They have excellent eyesight

Pademelon

Inhabits the jungles of the far east!

Parakeet

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

Parrot

Can live for up to 100 years!

Peacock Spider

They can jump up to 10 centimeters (40 times their body size) and see the full rainbow spectrum of light, including UV.

Pelagornithidae

The biggest members of the Pelagornithidae family were the largest flying birds known.

Perch Fish

Some of the most delicious gamefish in the world

Peregrine Falcon

Fastest animal on Earth

Pesquet’s Parrot (Dracula Parrot)

It’s one of only three parrots with naked faces.

Pheasant

Females lay between 8 and 12 eggs per clutch!

Pheasant-tailed Jacana

The pheasant-tailed jacana is the only species in its family that migrates long distances.

Pig-Nosed Turtle

Their family lineage dates back 140 million years

Pigeon

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

Platinum Arowana

The male broods the eggs and baby fish in his mouth.

Platypus

One of the only mammals to lay eggs!

Pliosaur

Pliosaurs were the short-necked version of plesiosaurs.

Polish Chicken

The Polish chicken has a large, feathered crest supported by a round, bony prominence on the skull!

Pompano Fish

They are bottom-feeders

Poochon

The Poochon was first bred in Australia.

Possum

There are 69 species on the Australian continent!

Potoroo

They can carry items with their tail.

Powderpost Beetle

Powderpost beetles prefer living in moist tree limbs, dead wood, and branches. They get into homes through infested joists, paneling, rafters, flooring, and finished wood products.

Praying Mantis

The mantis can turn its head 180 degrees.

Procoptodon

The largest variety of kangaroo to have ever been discovered.

Pterodactyl

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

Pygmy python

These snakes have been seen traveling as group of 3-5.

Python

Female pythons lay eggs and defend them until they hatch.

Quail

Inhabits woodland and forest areas worldwide!

Quokka

Makes runways through the long grasses!

Quoll

Found across Australia and Papua New Guinea!

Rat

Omnivores that eat anything!

Rat Snakes

Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.

Red Ackie Monitor

The red ackie prefers burrowing to climbing.

Red-Bellied Black Snake

These snakes are the only ones in the genus Pseudechis to give birth to live offspring.

Red-Eared Slider

Sliders spend lots of time basking in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, they need the sun to heat up.

Red Fox

The red fox actually has many different variations of fur, including silver and brown.

Redback Spider

The redback spiders found in New Caledonia differ from other populations in that they don’t practice sexual cannibalism and don’t bite people as much.

Rhino Beetle

Rhinoceros beetles can lift objects 850 times their weight

Ribbon Eel

Can fit its body into a tiny crevice of a reef

River Turtle

Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!

Robber Flies

The female pretend they are dead if they do not find the male worthy of mating.

Robin

There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!

Rockhopper Penguin

There are 3 different species!

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.

Rooster

Will mate with the entire flock!

Root Aphids

Nymphs take 9 to 10 days on average to mature, with a complete lifespan of an estimated 30 days.

Rove Beetle

When threatened, rove beetles raise the ends of their body like scorpions, but they have no sting.

Sable Ferret

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

Sailfish

Fast billfish with a sail-like dorsal fin

Sambar

Male sambars will compete for mates by clashing together with their antlers

Sand Crab

The sand crab burrows beneath the sand with its tail

Sandpiper

Some sandpipers can migrate more than 8,000 miles without stopping!

Sarus Crane

Parents use low calls to tell their chicks to freeze and lie still when danger lurks.

Saturniidae Moth

Some of the largest moths in the world

Sauropoda

Newly hatched sauropods weighted less than 11 pounds and put on 2 tons of weight a year!

Sauropoda

Sauropods lived in herds.

Savanna Goat

Savanna goats have only existed since 1957.

Scarab Beetle

The ancient Egyptians worshipped scarabs.

Scorpion

There are around 2,000 known species!

Sea Dragon

Inhabits tropical coastal waters of Australia!

Sea Eagle

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

Sea Snake

The sea snake is incredibly venomous, even more than a cobra!”

Seagull

Some gulls are capable of using tools

Seahorse

Males give birth to up to 1,000 offspring!

Senepol Cattle

Senepol cattle have a distinctive red color and no horns.

Sequined Spider

You may even be able to see a reflection in their reflective sequins!

Sheep

Around 35 million in the English countryside!

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!

Silky Terrier

Silky terriers can be trained to participate in many events, including herding, agility, rally, tracking and fly ball.

Skink Lizard

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

Skua

Skuas will chase other birds until they give up their catch

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

Soldier Beetle

Soldier beetles resemble fireflies, but they're not bioluminescent.

Sparrow

There are 140 different species!

Sparrowhawk

The sparrowhawk is named after the fact that it hunts down and consumes sparrows

Spider

Spider Beetle

Spider beetles have globular bodies, which makes them look like spiders.

Spider Wasp

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

Spotted Garden Eel

Males battle each other over females and territory

Spotted python

Their favorite food is bats and they hang from cave entrances to snatch them out of midair!

Stargazer Fish

Uses an electric shock to stun its prey!

Stick Insect

There are more than 3,000 different species!

Stork

They can’t sing like other birds.

Strawberry Hermit Crab

When strawberry hermit crabs find shells that are larger than their own, they gather in a line from biggest to smallest. Once the biggest one sheds its shell, the next one in line will claim it, which is repeated down the line.

Striped Rocket Frog

Long powerful hind legs!

Stromatolite

Stromatolites played a key role in the development of life on Earth.

Superworm

These larvae are native to Central and South America but now occur on every continent except Antarctica

Swallow

swallows have aerodynamic bodies for hunting in flight

Swallowtail Butterfly

N/A

Swallowtail Caterpillar

N/A

Swan

Populations have been affected by pollution!

Taipan

The Most Venomous Snakes On Earth

Tarantula

More than 1000 species of tarantulas have been identified all around the world!

Tarantula Hawk

Tarantula hawks are excellent pollinators, especially for milkweed.

Tarsier

Each eye weighs more than their whole brain!

Tasmanian Devil

Exclusively found on the island of Tasmania!

Tasmanian Tiger

The Tasmanian tiger could open its mouth almost 90 degrees.

Tasmanian Tiger Snake

The Tasmanian tiger snake gets its name from their banded skin, closely resembling a tiger's stripes.

Tawny Frogmouth

The tawny frogmouth is a master of camouflage that can hide in plain sight!

Teacup Miniature Horse

Female teacup minis become sexually mature between 2 and 5 years old, but breeders typically wait until their horse is 3 before letting her reproduce to prevent complications.

Tenterfield Terrier

These terriers have quick minds and fast feet making them excellent for agility competitions.

Termite

Their mounds can be up to 9 meters tall!

Terrier

Terriers were once the greatest dogs in the world.

Theropod

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

Thorny Devil

Found only on mainland Australia!

Thrush

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

Thylacoleo

Scientists have speculated that its bite force was equivalent to that of a 551 pound lion!

Thylacoleo carnifex

Thylacoleo carnifex was the largest carnivorous mammal in Australia

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 snake

Tiger Snakes can spend nine minutes underwater without returning to the surface to breathe

Tiger Trout

As tiger trout are sterile, they cannot produce offspring. However, they do have relatively long lifespans and can live up to 10 years in captivity.

Titanosaur

Among the largest land animals to ever exist

Tomato Hornworm

The tomato hornworm is a ferocious pest that can eat all parts of a plant, including the fruits.

Tortoise

Can live until they are more than 150 years old!

Tree Cricket

They make music with their wings

Tree Frog

Found in warmer jungles and forests!

Tree Kangaroo

It’s the only macropod that lives in trees.

Tree Snake

Though this snake’s venomous bite isn’t harmful to adults, it can be dangerous to children

Treecreeper

Their tailfeathers help them maintain their balance on a tree trunk

Treehopper

The colors, shapes, and intricacies of treehoppers’ helmets makes them unique and visually stunning.

Tuatara

Only found on a few of New Zealand's islands!

Turtle Frog

A turtle frog can eat more than 400 termites in a single meal.

Turtles

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

Tussock Moth Caterpillar

N/A

Ulysses Butterfly

Ulysses butterflies have come back from endangered status to just "threatened."

Viper Boa

These boas aren't really vipers, they're nonvenomous constrictors that look like vipers.

Waimanu

The albatross is related to the waimanu!

Wallaby

There are roughly 30 different species!

Warbler

Warblers are so called because of the trills of their song.

Wasp

There are around 75,000 recognised species!

Water Beetle

Water beetles bite; they use their legs to inject venomous digestive saliva

Water Buffalo

Has been domesticated for thousands of years!

Water Bug

Some species of water bugs can deliver a painful bite when handled.

Water Dragon

Spends most of it's time in the trees!

Wax Moth

The Wax Moth larvae are more dangerous than the adult.

Welsh Black Cattle

Welsh Black Cattle were once used as currency in Wales and referred to as “black gold”.

Welsh Springer Spaniel

Due to being so attached to their owners, the Welsh Springer Spaniel does not do well with being left alone and can experience separation anxiety.

White Butterfly

This butterfly determines the smell and taste of a flower with its feet.

White Ferret / Albino Ferrets

There are two different types of white ferrets!

White-shouldered House Moth

The larva is the pest because a fully-grown white-shouldered house moth cannot feed; it can only absorb liquid

Wiwaxia

The body of Wiwaxia was covered by rows of sclerites and spines

Wolf Spider

Carnivorous arachnid that hunts its prey.

Woma Python

Woma pythons often prey on venomous snakes and are immune to some venoms.

Wombat

Spends most of the day underground!

Woodlouse

This animal can roll up into a ball

Woodlouse Spider

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

Woolly Aphids

Another name for these fuzzy insects is "boogie-woogie aphids" because of their habit of lifting their posteriors and pulsing them in synchronized motions when threatened.

Worm

Doesn’t have eyes.

Wyandotte Chicken

The Wyandotte chicken was the first dual-purpose American chicken bred for both meat and eggs!

Xenacanthus

Smal eel-like ancient shark

Yabby

The yabby can survive long periods of droughts by burrowing into the soil.

Yellow-Bellied Sea Snake

Sea snakes spend approximately 90% of their lives under water.

Yellow Crazy Ant

One of the top 100 worst invasive species!

Yellow-Eyed Penguin

The rarest species of penguin!

Yellow-faced Bee

N/A

Yellowhammer

It interbreeds with the pine bunting

Yokohama Chicken

Yokohama chickens have snow white feathers with tails reaching up to 4 feet in length.

Zebra Finch

The male zebra finch creates a unique song by drawing inspiration from its parent or tutor