List Of Animals That Start With A: Names, Pictures & Facts

Alphabetical List of Animals That Start With A - Species Names With Pictures & Facts

In this article, we’ll be exploring the fascinating world of animals that start with A.

From tiny insects to mighty mammals, the animal kingdom is filled with diverse and incredible creatures.

These animals, found all over the world, play a crucial role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature and provide us with endless inspiration.

Whether you’re an animal enthusiast, a biology student, or just someone looking for some fun facts, this article is for you! 

So, without further ado, let’s take a closer look at some of the animals that start with the letter A, including a unique fun fact you might want to know about them.

Aardvark

Aardvark (Orycteropus afer)

Originating from the Animalia kingdom, Aardvarks are pig-like mammals, small yet solitary and inhabiting a wide range of habitats across the South of the Sahara.

These animals are commonly known as ‘earth pigs.’

The name makes up for their inability to live under the sun during the day, leaving them no choice other than coming out in cooler evenings to search for food and hunt for other necessities.

Fun Fact: Tiny in nature, but Aardvarks’ closest relatives are the mighty elephants, and they can move 2ft of soil in just 15 seconds.

Aardwolf

Aardwolf (Proteles cristata) in the Wild in Namibia

Also known as an ‘earth wolf’ in Afrikaans and Dutch languages, an aardwolf is far from a wolf. People mistake it for one due to the derivatives in the name.

Aardwolves are the non-popular cousins of the striped and spotted hyenas.

They are shy, elusive, and timid, so it’s difficult to come across them, even in the wild. On their front paws, these animals have five toes.

Fun Fact: Aardwolves are responsible for reducing the number of termites throughout their habitat range.

Abyssinian

There were so many interests surrounding the origin of these animals. It turns out that they are the oldest breeds of cats ever to exist.

Dating back to the ancient origin of these creatures, some are domestic and live around us today.

Abyssinians are friendly, adorable, and companionable cats that you’d love to have.

Fun Fact: Abyssinians are fond of watching their owners do whatever it is they’re doing.

Addax

Also known as Screwhorn or White Antelope, the Addax are subspecies of antelopes originating from the Bovidae family.

These animals have splayed and flat, springy soles and hooves that walk over sand.

They used to be rampant across the Sahara desert but are near extinction due to poaching. Hopefully, more efforts will be made to return its existence to healthy numbers.

Fun Fact: The addax can survive without water indefinitely.

African Grey Parrots

The African Grey Parrot is the largest in the Psittacidae family. It stands as one of the most demanded pets in America and across its four walls due to its high level of intelligence.

African Grey Parrots can serve as good companions and are friendly with amazing personalities.

They are among the few talking parrots to comprehend questions and respond responsibly.

Fun Fact: A missing African Grey Parrot named Yosuke found its way back home because it was able to give its owner’s name and address.

African Jacana

Because of their large feet and gigantic toes, African Jacana can’t be seen in a common space. They are one of the rarest birds, with quirky calls and a unique way of hunting.

They look out for each other against predators and are amazing species to study.

Rarely seen in open spaces, these birds are fond of living in tall trees where they can spot any traces of predators.

Fun Fact: Their parenting is fascinating such that the males raise the young.

African Forest Elephants

The African Forest Elephant is one of two subspecies of elephants living in Africa.

It is enormous and possesses similar traits to the African Bush Elephant. Scientists have always considered both species as one until recently.

Variations were taken note of to warrant a subspecies status, yet studies prove that African Forest Elephants are one of the most amazing species ever to exist.

Fun Fact: African Forest Elephants have gigantic round ears to aid calmness and coolness.

African Wild Dog

African Wild Dog Standing on Road

African wild dogs are medium-sized species of canine inhabiting Sub-Saharan Africa and its neighboring surroundings.

Although these animals are likely mistaken for other domestic or wild dog breeds, they can easily be identified by their brightly mottled fur.

Fun Fact: The African Wild Dog earned a series of names, including the Painted Dog and Cape Hunting Dog.

Africanized Bee

Africanized Killer Bees (Apis mellifera scutellata)

Also known as Killer Bee, this is one breed with the most aggressive traits worldwide. It is known as one of the most harmful insects in the world.

It is a hybrid of the western honey bee and resulted from crossbreeding the East African lowland honey bees with the European honey bee subspecies.

The first Africanized bee was created by crossbreeding these two subspecies, with many hives escaping captivity and spreading through North and South America.

Fun Fact: A killer bee will attack intruders up to a quarter mile from their hives.

Agama Lizard

The Agama Lizard is a genus of lizards living throughout sub-Saharan Africa with over 40 different species.

It is fond of living in social groups and is usually red-headed. Agama Lizards are easily spotted in domestic vicinities.

Fun Fact: Their social groups consist of dominant males and subordinate males and females.

Arctic Wolf

Arctic wolves are a type of species living in areas where the temperature drops below freezing.

These animals are rampant in Greenland, Iceland, Alaska, and Canada. Unlike other wolves, these subspecies live in caves and not dens.

They are quick to adapt to a cold ecosystem. Thanks to their short noses and small ears, they help maintain the body heat on the tundra.

Fun Fact: Arctic wolves have blue eyes as babies, but those become yellow or gold as they grow older.

Angora Goat

Similar in appearance to a sheep, Angora goats aren’t close to being relatives of the former.

These animals are one of the most sought-after goats worldwide because of their hair, also known as Mohair.

Angora goats originated in Angora in Asia between 1451 and 1751 B.C. They are animals of great resources; their hair is useful for producing mohair sweaters and scarves.

Fun Fact: Adult species grow about 12 inches of mohair per year, while young ones grow about 8 inches.

Arizona Bark Scorpion

Arizona bark scorpion (Centruroides sculpturatus)

The female Arizona Bark Scorpion is a dangerous arachnid inhabiting the Sonoran desert of the United States and southwestern Mexico.

This creature glows bright blue or green under UV light. They are potentially deadly with a sting that hits like a heavy punch. Males grow only about 3.14 inches, and females up to 7 inches.

Fun Fact: Arizona Bark Scorpions can survive a nuclear blast with no single effect.

Antarctic Scale Worm

These creatures are cousins to about 900 types of scale worms and find their comfort on the frigid waters close to the south pole.

They have long snouts and proboscises with powerful jaws and teeth that tear into prey. Antarctic scale worms are usually rampant in the deepest floor of the ocean.

Fun Fact: The antarctic scale worm’s proboscis retracts into the body and becomes invisible when not in use.

Arapaima

Also known as pirarucu or paiche, Arapaimas are large freshwater fishes with thin scales to protect them from predators and aid survival.

Adult species weigh hundreds of pounds, making them one of the largest freshwater fishes.

These animals have caring parenting techniques; even the males contribute to the well-being of their young ones.

Fun Fact: Arapaimas can breathe air; only the babies have gills.

Anglerfish

Anglerfish (Lophiiformes)
Credit: Science Magazine / YouTube

Anglerfish are an aquatic species that live underwater, about 6,000 feet beneath the water level, where no light penetrates.

They have a bizarre appearance, sharp fangs, and a bioluminescent spine extending from the top of their heads. These fishes are predators of a lot of aquatic animals.

Fun Fact: Anglerfish use their light-emitting lure to confuse and draw unsuspecting prey closer to them. 

Anna’s Hummingbird

Anna’s hummingbirds are amazingly interesting species considered permanent residents in Canada and the United States.

These birds have a unique appearance and tiny legs that neither helps them walk nor hop.

They scoot side to side with those tiny legs when perched. Anna’s Hummingbird is the fastest and one of the largest of all hummingbirds.

Also, it is one of the only three birds to be considered permanent residents for the said states and provinces.

Fun Fact: Their wings beat 40 to 50 times every second during a normal flight.

Ant

Top View of Carpenter Ant of Genus Camponotus

Ant is a micro insect/invertebrate inhabiting all parts of the world, excluding the polar zones, Arctic Circle and Antarctica.

Their existence dates back thousands of decades, with hundreds of species and their population spreading across the earth.

Ants love to make hay while the sun shines, and they tend to have an organized social group, including a Queen.

Fun Fact: The first evolution of ants occurred about 100 million years ago.

Anteater

Giant Anteater (Myrmecophaga  tridactyla) Hunting for Ants and Termites

As most zoologists will say, ‘don’t mess with an anteater cos it doesn’t want to be friends.’

Anteaters are medium-sized insect-eating mammals inhabiting the Southern hemisphere.

These creatures are edentate animals, meaning they have no teeth.

However, their tongue is strong enough to hold down insects, compiling their diet with a tight grip. Giant species can consume up to 35,000 ants or termites.

Fun Fact: An anteater’s tongue is the longest of all animals considering its relation to the body.

Antelope

The antelope is a large-sized animal that spends its lifetime roaming in the forest and wild.

It possesses strong and protective horns and elegant bounded leaps.

Antelopes are widespread in the plains of Africa and Asia. Their leaping ability gives them adequate speed and agility to elude even the most fearsome predators.

One thing you should know about these animals is that they are always listed as one of the fastest anywhere and anytime.

Fun Fact: Antelope renew their horns annually.

Anteosaurus

The Permian period (266-260 million years ago) was adventurous and had Anteosaurus in healthy numbers.

This is a mammal-like reptile that lived in a region that is located in present-day South Africa. It is a genus of large species with a semi-aquatic lifestyle and traits of a crocodile.

Anatosauruses flip through water and move suspiciously, just like crocodiles. Note that these two animals have no form of relationship in any way.

Fun Fact: Although Anteosaurus looks like a crocodile, it is more of a mammal than a reptile.

Ape

Apes originate from the superfamily of primates, the Hominoidea. The Hominoidea consists of different species categorized as ‘lesser apes’ and ‘great apes.’

Animals like chimpanzees, gorillas, and orangutans fall into this category. As surprising as it may seem, humans are also categorized as a unique species in the superfamily of primates.

While most species may have ‘ape’ included in their names, only a few are real primates.

Fun Fact: Apes possess cognitive abilities which enable them to live, learn, and observe.

Alpaca

Alpacas are camelid mammals native to South America. These animals are closely related to llamas and can interbreed to produce the huarizos.

Yarn spun from alpacas are useful material in the sewing and production industry.

It is popular for warm sweaters, hats, socks, and mittens. The fur of these domesticated animals remains a valuable commodity.

Fun Fact: An alpaca can spot up to 10 feet.

Aldabra Giant Tortoise

The Aldabra Giant Tortoise falls in the reptilia class of animals and is a species native to the Aldabra Islands in the Indian ocean.

It is one of the largest variants and also one of the world’s longest-living creatures.

Fun Fact: A particular Aldabra giant tortoise lived 255 years!

Alligator Gar

Alligator Gar Fish (Aractosteus spatula) in Aquarium

The name isn’t what it seems. The Alligator Gar is one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. It has enormous teeth and an unappealing appearance; many consider it dangerous.

However, this animal poses no threat to humans. With several occurrences and interactions, no alligator gar has been said to pose a risk of attack to humans.

Unfortunately, this animal has earned an unfavorable reputation in its native habitat as a trash fish.

Fun Fact: The alligator gar releases toxic eggs to protect itself from predators.

Alpine Goat

Originating from the mountainous French countryside, Alpine goats are one of the most popular goat species and are commonly used for dairy production.

Their existence is widespread across the world, with a common sight in farms, ranches, and domestic homes throughout the western world.

Fun Fact: Alpine goats are rich sources of popular milk, cheese, and dairy products.

Alusky

Husky is a dog breed and possesses similar traits to other dogs. It is what you get when to interbreed a Siberian Husky with an Alaskan Malamute.

Alusky is a hybrid dog that easily adapts to cold weather. Like the purebred parents, aluskies are excellent at sledding.

Fun Fact: Aluskies are popular for their sledding and pulling skills, with hundreds of dogs being adopted frequently.

Amur Leopards

Originating from the Felidae family, the Amur Leopard is said to be the rarest breed of cats in existence and is inhabiting along the border of Russia and China.

These animals are big wild cats and mammalians such that their Genus is Panthera.

Fun Fact: Amur Leopards have tiny hooks on their tongues, which help to extract small chops of meat off bones whenever they stick it out for a lick.

Apennine Wolf

Italian Wolves (Canis lupus italicus)

Also known as the Italian wolf and the unofficial animal of Italy, this creature is a genus of Canis from the Canidae family.

It is native to the Apennine mountains and Western Alps. Apennine wolves don’t howl at the moon as people think; they howl to interact with other members of the pack.

These animals nearly went extinct in the 1970s due to some environmental factors. The numbers were then restored to healthy numbers.

Fun Fact: According to a legend, an Apennine wolf raised the twin brothers who founded Rome.

Avocet

If you’ve seen a group of birds wading with long legs by the waterside, you likely know what an avocet looks like.

Their stretchy sinewy legs make it look like they’re walking on stilts. They reside close to freshwater and saltwater.

With webbed feet, it’s easy for these birds to wad in shallow water.

Fun Fact: An avocet’s nest mound is usually up to a foot tall.

Axolotl

Found in only one complex of lakes, Axolotls are ‘Mexican walking fishes’ that prefer to live their entire life underwater.

They have gills and lungs for survival; ‘the axolotl is the rarest species of salamander.’

It’s part of their nature to live their entire lives below the water level because these animals choose to do so.

Fun Fact: Axolotls can regenerate almost any part of their body, including the spines, internal organs, and some brain cells.

Aye Aye

The Aye Aye summary includes fascinating facts. It was thought to be extinct until 1957. The Aye Aye is a lemur species found in Madagascar’s rainforest.

In addition to its unique traits and appearance, this creature is also considered the largest nocturnal primate in the world.

Its appearance, strange and capable of making an unsettling visage, consists of large ears, a pointed face, and bulging eyes.

Fun Fact: The Aye Aye incisors never stop growing throughout their life.

Final Thoughts

All species listed above are just a fraction of the number of animals that start with A.

The animal kingdom is home to a diverse and incredible array of creatures, many of which start with the letter “A.”

From the agile aardvark to the majestic alligator, these animals play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of nature and continue to fascinate and inspire us.

Whether you’re interested in learning more about these animals for personal or educational purposes, this article provides a glimpse into the fascinating world of creatures starting with “A.”

We hope you enjoyed learning about these amazing animals and encourage you to continue exploring the wonders of the natural world.


Alphabetical List of all Animals A–Z