Continue Learning about Zoology
What are some ominous animals?
some ominous animals include wolves, red eyed predators and more
What eats red billed oxpeckers?
Some of the different animals that would eat red billed
oxpeckers are smaller carnivorous animals like the fox and some
snakes as well .
What animals in the red oak?
Are animals red
What animal has red eyes?
Some rabits Mainly Frogs Some albino animals do to
Which animals estivate in the summer?
some snails and red horned frogs
The word «animal» originates from the Latin word animalis, which means a living organism. Being multicellular and eukaryotic is what distinguishes animals from other living things. Animals can be classified as carnivores, herbivores, omnivores, or parasites depending on what they eat. They can also be grouped into those with backbones, referred to as vertebrates, and those without backbones, known as invertebrates (arachnids and insects). Vertebrates may include mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and birds. There are various types of animals and how they can be categorized; however, this article will only concentrate on those that start with letter R. Several animals start with the letter R. Some of these animals include rats, ram, red panda, red deer, rook, and river otter. The rattlesnake, which is poisonous, the raven, which is among the largest perching birds, the red fox that is classified under the genus Vulpes, and the reindeer from the deer family Cervidae are also included on the list. Other animals that start with R include the rail, raccoon dog, red-winged blackbird, redhead, and redpoll. Some of these animals are discussed below: Raccoon A raccoon is a mammal and is classified as an omnivore. It mostly feeds on fish, corn, berries, and nuts. It is from the Procyonidae family. A raccoon weighs about 1.8-10.4 kilograms and is approximately 60-95 centimeters tall. It can live for two to three years. Rabbit Similar to the raccoon, a rabbit is also classified as a mammal, but it is grouped under the Leporidae family. Rabbits are categorized as herbivores as they depend on fruits, grass, and vegetables for survival. A rabbit can weigh up to three kilograms and be about 20-50 inches long. It is known to have sharp teeth and extended ears. It can live for four to eight years. Rhinoceros The rhinoceros is also a type of herbivorous mammal that feeds mostly on grass, fruits, and leaves. The five rhinoceros species include the black, Indian, white, Javan, and Sumatran rhinos. A rhino can weigh up to 3,500 kilograms and has a lifespan of 30-50 years. Robin The robin is a type of bird under the Muscicapidae family. It is an omnivore as it mostly consumes worms, insects, and fruits. A robin weighs approximately 16-22 grams. It has a life expectancy of up to three years. In addition to the list of animals that start with R are the roadrunner, roller, ringed parakeet, roseate flamingo, red sheep, roseate cockatoo, the red squirrel, red river hog, rainbow trout, ring-tailed lemur, redstart, rockfish, and the ringtail. The existence of different types of animals throughout the world has had a great impact on human beings. Many animal species are used by human beings for their food that is acquired in the form of milk, eggs, and meat. Animal hair has also been used to make woolen clothes and leather. Horsehair has also been very useful for creating brush bristles. Animals that start with letter R
Benefits of animals to humans
A Complete List of Animals That Start With R
Animals |
---|
Rabbit |
Raccoon |
Raccoon dog |
Rail |
Ram |
Rat |
Rattlesnake |
Raven |
Red deer |
Red fox |
Red panda |
Red panda |
Red River hog |
Red sheep |
Red squirrel |
Red-winged blackbird |
Redhead |
Redpoll |
Redstart |
Reindeer |
Rhea |
Rhinoceros |
Rianbow trout |
Ring-tailed lemur |
Ringed parakeet |
Ringtail |
River Otter |
Roadrunner |
Robin |
Rockfish |
Roller |
Rook |
Roseat flamingo |
Roseate cockatoo |
-
Home
- World Facts
- Animal Names That Start With R
Read below for information on 111 different animals that start with the letter R, from rabbit to royal penguin. The most popular animal that starts with the letter R is the red panda, one of the most threatened animals in the world. Despite sharing a name and some behavioral similarities with giant pandas, red pandas are unique enough to be classified in a family all their own. The least popular R animal is the red handed tamarin, so named for the red hairs on their feet and hands. Interesting facts about letter R name animals include:
- With large webbed feet and streamlined bodies, Royal penguins can swim up to 20 mph
- There are believed to be only 100 red wolves left in the wild
- Rhino horns are made of keratin, the same protein that makes up fingernails and hair
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Alphabetical List of Animals That Start with R
- Rabbit
- Raccoon
- Raccoon Dog
- Racer Snake
- Radiated Tortoise
- Ragamuffin
- Ragdoll
- Raggle
- Rainbow Boa
- Rainbow Grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor)
- Rainbow Kribs (Kribensis)
- Rainbow Shark
- Rat
- Rat Snakes
- Rat Terrier
- Rattlesnake
- Red Ackie Monitor
- Red Aphids
- Red Deer
- Red Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Red Drum Fish
- Red Finch
- Red Fox
- Red Kite
- Red Knee Tarantula
- Red Nose Pit Bull
- Red Panda
- Red Paper Wasp
- Red Racer Snake
- Red Spitting Cobra
- Red Squirrel
- Red Star Chicken
- Red Tail Boa (common boa)
- Red Wolf
- Red-Bellied Black Snake
- Red-Bellied Woodpecker
- Red-Billed Quelea Bird
- Red-Eared Slider
- Red-Eyed Tree Frog
- Red-Footed Tortoise
- Red-handed Tamarin
- Red-Headed Vulture
- Red-Lipped Batfish
- Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Red-Tailed Cuckoo Bumblebee
- Red-winged blackbird
- Redback Spider
- Redbone Coonhound
- Redcap Chicken
- Redhump Eartheater
- Redstart
- Redtail Catfish
- Reef Shark
- Regal Jumping Spider
- Reindeer
- Repenomamus
- Reticulated python
- Rex Rabbit
- Rhamphosuchus
- Rhea
- Rhesus Macaque
- Rhino Beetle
- Rhino Viper
- Rhinoceros
- Rhode Island Red Chicken
- Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Rhombic Egg-Eater Snake
- Ribbon Eel
- Ribbon Snake
- Rim Rock Crowned Snake
- Ring-billed Gull
- Ringed Kingfisher
- Rinkhals Snake
- River Otter
- River Turtle
- Roadrunner
- Robber Flies
- Robin
- Rock Bass
- Rock Crab
- Rock Hyrax
- Rock Python
- Rockfish
- Rockhopper Penguin
- Rodents
- Roe Deer
- Rooster
- Root Aphids
- Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
- Roseate Spoonbill
- Rosy Boa
- Rotterman
- Rottle
- Rottsky
- Rottweiler
- Rottweiler Mix
- Rough Earth Snake
- Rough Green Snake
- Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)
- Rove Beetle
- Royal Penguin
- Rubber Boa
- Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
- Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Ruddy Turnstone
- Rufous Hummingbird
- Russel’s Viper
- Russell Terrier
- Russian Bear Dog
- Russian Blue
- Russian Tortoise
Animals that Start with R
Rabbit
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Leporidae
- Genus
- Oryctolagus
- Scientific Name
- Oryctolagus cuniculus
Fun Fact: There are more than 300 different species!
Rabbits have been domesticated since Roman times, and possibly even from before that. Rabbits really do breed like rabbits. The female is ready to breed almost any time, and she’ll have a litter of babies about 30 days after breeding. These bipedal herbivores eat a diet of mostly green foods, but they are also opportunistic […] Read More
Raccoon
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Procyonidae
- Genus
- Procyon
- Scientific Name
- Procyon lotor
Fun Fact: Known to wash their food before eating it!
Sporting a black mask and ringed tail, the raccoon is among the most common mammals in North America. Both vilified as a nuisance and loved for their fascinating behavior, the raccoon is an intelligent, clever animal that gets up to trouble with surprising enthusiasm and alacrity. A true survivor of the animal kingdom, it has […] Read More
Raccoon Dog
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Nyctereutes
- Scientific Name
- Nyctereutes procyonoides
Fun Fact: The only hibernating canine!
Raccoon dogs can climb trees, swim, and dive underwater Raccoon dogs live in Europe and Asia. Although they look similar to raccoons, they are not related to them. These animals are omnivores and are active at night and part of the day. They have a lifespan of 6 to 11 years. They are social animals […] Read More
Racer Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Coluber
- Scientific Name
- Coluber constrictor
Fun Fact: The racer snake can speed away at up to 3.5 miles per hour
“These great tree climbers are named ‘racers’ because of their ability to dart away from danger at up to 3.5 miles per hour!” The racer snake, also called the Eastern racer snake, is a non-venomous species of 11 subspecies found in North America and Central America, from southern Canada to Guatemala. Their scientific name is […] Read More
Radiated Tortoise
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Testudinidae
- Genus
- Astrochelys
- Scientific Name
- Astrochelys radiata
Fun Fact: The most protected tortoise in the world!
Radiated Tortoise Classification and Evolution The Radiated Tortoise is a relatively large species of Tortoise, natively found on the island of Madagascar. Although having evolved in similar environments to other star-patterned Tortoises from around the tropics, the Radiated Tortoise has more striking and complex markings than those of the Indian Star Tortoise, for example. The […] Read More
Ragamuffin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Felidae
- Genus
- Felis
- Scientific Name
- Felis catus
Fun Fact: Often referred to as «puppy-like,» Ragamuffin cats are intelligent, friendly and super personable.
Ragamuffin cats have a fairly brief history, only having been recognized as a separate species from the ragdoll in the last three decades. Taking care of this type of cat requires regular grooming, a good diet, and a willingness to be followed around constantly for the sake of their loving personality. Though they are often […] Read More
Ragdoll
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Felidae
- Genus
- Felis
- Scientific Name
- Felis catus
Fun Fact: One of the larger breeds of domestic cat!
Meet the Ragdoll, the cat that will go floppy when you cuddle with it. Breed History The Ragdoll cat breed came about from humble beginnings in 1963 courtesy of Ann Baker, a breeder from Riverside California. This woman owned a white long-haired female named Josephine who she had taken in from the neighborhood she lived […] Read More
Raggle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Raggles are known for their energy and curiosity.
Raggles are alert to everything in their environment making them excellent watchdogs. Breed a Rat Terrier with a Beagle and you get a Raggle. A Raggle is one of many so-called designer dogs. Two popular dogs are bred to get a puppy that possesses the best qualities of each breed. Raggles are energetic, alert, and […] Read More
Rainbow Boa
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Boidae
- Genus
- Epicrates
- Scientific Name
- Epicrates cenchria
Fun Fact: The rainbow boa is named for its iridescent skin that refracts light and creates a rainbow-colored effect.
The rainbow boa is a brown-patterned reptile that primarily seeks out rodents and small birds in its diet. A rainbow boa prefers warm temperatures with high humidity for the most part, and it is endemic to Central and South America. Instead of determining sexual maturity by age, the males must be at least four feet […] Read More
Rainbow Grasshopper (Dactylotum bicolor)
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Orthoptera
- Family
- Acrididae
- Genus
- Dactylotum
- Scientific Name
- Dactylotum bicolor
Fun Fact: They have strikingly bright colors
The rainbow grasshopper is currently the only species within the genus Dactylotum. It is endemic to North America, ranging from southern Canada to northern Mexico. Its arresting coloration consists of reddish-orange, yellow, white, and black markings. This herbivore is typically solitary except when mating and is not generally considered a pest. It is also nonpoisonous […] Read More
Rainbow Kribs (Kribensis)
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Pelvicachromis
- Scientific Name
- Pelvicachromis pulcher
Fun Fact: Rainbow Kribs sometimes nip the fins of other fish, especially ones with long, flowing tails, which is too tempting for them not to bite.
These magnificent fish are often referred to as Krib, but they go by many names, including cichlid or kribensis. The West African cichlid’s present scientific name is Pelvicachromis pulcher, meaning beautiful bellied fish. Cichlids are surprisingly resilient against disease; if owners care for them properly, they can live up to 5 years old! In addition, […] Read More
Rainbow Shark
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cypriniformes
- Family
- Cyprinidae
- Genus
- Epalzeorhynchos
- Scientific Name
- Epalzeorhynchos frenatum
Fun Fact: The rainbow shark has been genetically modified to glow in the dark
The rainbow shark comes in many interesting or lustrous skin colors (including albino and bright blue) that make them popular among aquarium enthusiasts. The rainbow shark is not really a shark at all, but rather a small bony fish. They go by many different names, including the red-fin shark and the rainbow shark minnow. While […] Read More
Rat
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Muridae
- Genus
- Rattus
- Scientific Name
- Rattus rattus
Fun Fact: Omnivores that eat anything!
“A rat’s teeth never stop growing” Rats live in places all over the world. They are nocturnal and live in packs. These medium-sized rodents are omnivores eating insects, seeds, fruits, eggs, and small animals. A female can have a litter of 8 to 12 babies. The lifespan of a rat is 2 to 3 years. […] Read More
Rat Snakes
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- various
- Scientific Name
- various
Fun Fact: Rat snakes are constrictors from the Colubridae family of snakes.
Rat snakes live in a wide range of environments. There are roughly 50 rat snake species spread across 15 genera; they’re non-venomous and helpful garden allies. You can find them in most parts of the Northern Hemisphere, and they come in a variety of colors and patterns. They’re all oviparous and lay eggs in hollow […] Read More
Rat Terrier
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Rat terriers were popular with farmers before 1930 because of their ability to kill rodents.
At least seven breeds were used to create the rat terrier, including beagles, smooth fox terriers, old English white terriers, Manchester terriers, bull terriers, whippets, and Italian greyhounds. Rat terriers are brilliant dogs, but they can be very stubborn. This breed was first developed by early American farmers who wanted a dog that could kill […] Read More
Rattlesnake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Viperidae
- Genus
- Crotalus
Fun Fact: Rattlesnakes may have evolved their rattle to warn bison away from them.
Rattlesnakes are easily recognized venomous snakes with a rattle at the end of their tails. As members of the pit viper group, rattlesnakes use their powerful venom to subdue their victims. This venom stops blood clotting and destroys internal tissues, quickly disabling animals they bite. Humans can also die when antivenom is not available. The […] Read More
Red Ackie Monitor
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Varanidae
- Genus
- Varanus
- Scientific Name
- Varanus acanthurus
Fun Fact: The red ackie prefers burrowing to climbing.
The red ackie prefers burrowing to climbing. Red Ackie Monitor Facts Master of disguise: The color and pattern of the red ackie’s spots correlate with their natural habitat to help them camouflage to prevent easy detection by predators.Defense mode: Red ackie monitors in the wild mostly use their spiny tails as a means of self-defense […] Read More
Red Aphids
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- hemiptera
- Family
- Aphidoidea
- Genus
- Uroleucon
- Scientific Name
- Uroleucon
Fun Fact: Aphids are called ant cows because ants herd and «milk» them to secrete a substance called honeydew!
“Aphids are called ant cows because ants herd and ‘milk’ them to secrete a substance called honeydew!” Summary Aphids are parasitic insects that target plants. They suck the sap out, draining the plant and making it less resistant to other pests and diseases. Aphids come in many colors, such as green, black, yellow, red, white, […] Read More
Red Deer
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Cervus
- Scientific Name
- C. elaphus
Fun Fact: A male red deer shows his age in his antlers, which become longer and more branched every year.
“Red deer are depicted in 40,000-year-old cave art!” Red Deer Summary The red deer is one of the largest species of deer in the world, thriving across Europe and Western Asia and in multiple other areas of the world where they have been introduced. They are distinguished by their reddish-brown fur and the impressive antlers […] Read More
Red Diamondback Rattlesnake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Viperidae
- Genus
- Crotalus
- Scientific Name
- Crotalus ruber
Fun Fact: A rattlesnake can shake its rattle back and forth 20-100 times per second.
The sound of a red diamondback rattlesnake’s tail may be disturbing, but they want you to go away! Hikers often hear the disturbing sound of a rattlesnake in the brush near their path. However, this is the sound of a snake trying to warn you away! Red diamondback rattlesnakes are large-bodied venomous snakes; they live […] Read More
Red Drum Fish
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Acanthuriformes
- Family
- Sciaenidae
- Genus
- Sciaenops
- Scientific Name
- Sciaenops ocellatus
Fun Fact: There were a few sightings of red drums in the Mediterranean Sea off Sicily and Israel, but they do not naturally occur there, so theories are they escaped from fish farms.
The red drum goes by many names, including channel bass, spottail bass, redfish, puppy drum, and just red. They are game fish primarily found in certain parts of the Gulf of Mexico, from Florida to northern Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean. These fish are close relatives to the black drum, and the two species have […] Read More
Red Finch
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Fringillidae
- Genus
- Haemorhous
- Scientific Name
- Haemorhous mexicanus
Fun Fact: Red finches can form flocks of over 100 birds.
“Red finches sometimes compete with hummingbirds for nectar at a feeder.” Red finches are birds that live throughout the United States and down into Mexico. These tiny birds have a beautiful song full of trills, chirps, and rolling warbles. The male red finch is notable for the bright red feathers on his head and breast. […] Read More
Red Fox
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Vulpes
- Scientific Name
- Vulpes vulpes
Fun Fact: The red fox actually has many different variations of fur, including silver and brown.
Garbed in its customary red, silver, or brown fur, the red fox is among the most common carnivorous mammals in the world. This species is a tenacious and wily survivalist in the wild. The red fox is an animal that has learned to thrive in many different climates and habitats, from steep mountain cliffs to […] Read More
Red Kite
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Milvus
- Scientific Name
- Milvus milvus
Fun Fact: This bird moves its tail to steer its body like a rudder on a boat.
The red kite moves its forked tail to steer itself as it flies through the air. The first thing you notice about a red kite in flight is its distinctive forked tail. It also makes a high-pitched call that sounds similar to whistling, “weooo, weooo.” The carnivorous diet of a red kite includes small mammals […] Read More
Red Knee Tarantula
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Theraphosidae
- Genus
- Brachypelma
- Scientific Name
- Brachypelma smithi
Fun Fact: Inhabits the Pacific Mountains of Mexico!
The Red knee tarantula is a desert-dwelling spider. Instead of spinning a web, these spiders dig burrows and spend most of their lives underground. They have a long lifespan compared to other spiders. Males can live up to ten years whereas females can potentially reach 30 years old. They are carnivores eating a diet of […] Read More
Red Nose Pit Bull
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: These copper-colored pups were once known as «nanny dogs» for their playfulness with children.
The red nose pit bull is not its own breed, but are a type of American pit bull terrier. It was originally bred from the Old English terrier and the Old English bulldog in early 19th-century England. The resulting mixture of these breeds was known as bull and terriers, and they are now extinct. Initially […] Read More
Red Panda
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Ailuridae
- Genus
- Ailurus
- Scientific Name
- Ailurus fulgens
Fun Fact: There are less than 3,000 left in the wild!
Classification and Evolution The red panda (Ailurus fulgens) is a cat-sized species of carnivorous mammal that is found inhabiting the temperate mountain forests on the slopes of the Himalayas. Ailuridae is a family in the mammal order Carnivora, of which the red panda is the only living representative. As their name suggests, they are quite […] Read More
Red Paper Wasp
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Vespidae
- Genus
- Polistes
- Scientific Name
- Polistes carolina
Fun Fact: The Red Paper wasps are lazy flyers; they occasionally land on people, pets, and objects without noticing them.
The Red Paper Wasps are lazy flyers; they occasionally land on people, pets, and objects without noticing them. Summary The common name “Red paper wasp” refers to any of two species of red wasps of the same genus. They’re both characterized by their orange-red bodies and black wings. Red wasps are native to the United […] Read More
Red Racer Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Masticophis
- Scientific Name
- Masticophis flagellum piceus
Fun Fact:
The red racer is among the fastest snakes in North America. The red racer, also known as the red coachwhip, is a subspecies of the coachwhip or whipsnake. The name should give you some idea of how fast they are. These snakes race along the ground with surprising speed when running away from threats or […] Read More
Red Spitting Cobra
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Naja
- Scientific Name
- Naja pallida
Fun Fact: Scientists believe that the red spitting cobra evolved from injecting venom to spitting it in response to the constant threat of early humans
Red spitting cobras can spit their venom into a predator or prey’s eyes from up to 8 feet away with 100% accuracy. Red spitting cobras (Naja pallida) of Africa are medium-length snakes with unique defensive adaptations. Scientists believe the snakes’ venom-spitting capabilities evolved in direct response to the threats presented by early humans. Because people […] Read More
Red Squirrel
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
- Family
- Sciuridae
- Genus
- Tamiasciurus
- Scientific Name
- Tamiasciurus hudsonicus
Fun Fact: The red squirrel has one of the most impressive memories in the entire animal kingdom
The American red squirrel is one of the most common mammals in all of North America. As a type of rodent, these agile tree climbers are found almost anywhere with mixed hardwood and evergreen conifer forests. They’ve also adapted very well to urban and suburban environments. Renowned for their excellent memory, American red squirrels will […] Read More
Red Star Chicken
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Gallus
- Scientific Name
- Gallus gallus domesticus
Fun Fact: The red star chicken is classified as a sex-link breed due to the male and female chicks differing in color, which means it is really easy to determine the sex shortly after they hatch.
Red star chickens go by many names; for example, golden comet and sex-link, depending on the chickens used, breeder, and hatchery. These chickens were initially developed in the 1950s to use for production. Therefore they are found in large-scale commercial operations alongside the famous Leghorn chicken. However, hybrid chickens were frowned upon before the age […] Read More
Red Tail Boa (common boa)
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Boidae
- Genus
- Boa
- Scientific Name
- Boa constrictor constrictor
Fun Fact:
The red tail boa is sometimes called the Suriname red tail boa, boa constrictor, or common boa. Summary The common boa can grow to be 13 feet long or greater when they reach their full-grown size. They are wonderful pets, though their reproductive habits and natural habitat range greatly. They don’t require much upkeep beyond […] Read More
Red Wolf
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus rufus
Fun Fact: There are only 17-19 in the wild!
The red wolf is the world’s most endangered canid and one of the rarest mammals. The red wolf is a smaller, thinner cousin of the gray wolf, named for its reddish-tawny coat color, while in physical size it is between that of the coyote and gray wolf. This wolf species is native to the southeastern […] Read More
Red-Bellied Black Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Pseudechis
- Scientific Name
- Pseudechis porphyriacus
Fun Fact: These snakes are the only ones in the genus Pseudechis to give birth to live offspring.
Around 35 people are bitten by these snakes each year, however there have been no recorded fatalities. The red-bellied black snake is a semi-aquatic, carnivorous species of venomous snake native to Australia. The bite of these snakes is toxic, but they are not considered an aggressive species. Despite their shy nature, they still bite about […] Read More
Red-Bellied Woodpecker
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Piciformes
- Family
- Picidae
- Genus
- Melanerpes
- Scientific Name
- M. carolinus
Fun Fact: Red-Bellied Woodpeckers will often steal the nests of other birds.
Males and females have slightly differently shaped tongues, which may help them forage in different places. Summary Red-bellied woodpeckers look exactly how you would imagine them to look like. They’re medium-sized and have very obvious red bellies and caps. They’re pretty easy to see, though they are often confused with red-headed woodpeckers, a slightly rarer […] Read More
Red-Billed Quelea Bird
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Ploceidae
- Genus
- Quelea
- Scientific Name
- Quelea quelea
Fun Fact: Is the most populous bird in the world
The red-billed quelea is a small passerine noted for its colorful feathers and bright red bill. It is also known as the weaver bird. It is a sociable bird that travels in huge flocks of up to 30 million members. The bird is native to the sub-Saharan region of Africa. 4 Amazing Facts About Red-Billed […] Read More
Red-Eared Slider
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Emydidae
- Genus
- Trachemys
- Scientific Name
- Trachemys scripta elegans
Fun Fact: Sliders spend lots of time basking in the sun. As cold-blooded animals, they need the sun to heat up.
“The red-eared slider is the pet turtle to the World” Chances are you’ve had one of these pretty turtles with the red streak behind its eyes when you were a child. If it was well-cared for, it’s possible that you still have it as a grown-up. Hardy and prolific, the red-eared slider is kept as […] Read More
Red-Eyed Tree Frog
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Amphibia
- Order
- Hylidae or Anura
- Family
- Phyllomedusidae
- Genus
- Agalychnis
- Scientific Name
- Agalychnis callidryas
Fun Fact: Despite their spectacular coloration, red-eyed tree frogs aren’t poisonous and can be kept as pets.
“Its Species Name Means ‘Beautiful Wood Nymph’” Found in the trees of Central American rainforests, this unignorable frog has become a symbol of conservation. Its fluorescent colors may put you in mind of a poison dart frog, but don’t worry, it’s pretty harmless. It even makes a good pet. Five Amazing Facts About the Red-Eyed […] Read More
Red-Footed Tortoise
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Testudinidae
- Genus
- Chelonoidis
- Scientific Name
- Chelonoidis carbonarius
Fun Fact: Male and female Red-Footed Tortoises move their heads to communicate.
Want a fun pet that is low maintenance and fascinating? The Red-Footed Tortoise has been a popular pet for years that can keep you company for a lifetime. These tortoises are named for their shells and body coloring. They have actual red feet, which makes them particularly fun to watch walk and climb. These tortoises […] Read More
Red-handed Tamarin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Primates
- Family
- Callitrichidae
- Genus
- Saguinus
- Scientific Name
- Saguinus midas
Fun Fact: Red hair on hands on feet!
The red-handed tamarin is a small, energetic primate that roams the Amazonian forests. Despite lacking a prehensile tail and opposable thumbs, this species can leap between branches and vines with remarkable dexterity and control. It has an unusual appearance that almost resembles a cross between a monkey and a squirrel, but socially and physically, it […] Read More
Red-Headed Vulture
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Scientific Name
- Sarcogyps calvus
Fun Fact: Not exclusively carrion eaters, these birds are also opportunistic hunters
The red-headed vulture is critically endangered. You can read more about the various conservation statuses of wildlife here. Summary The bright red head of this bird makes it easy to recognize. While imposing to look at, these birds are actually quite timid. Easily chased away from a carcass while feeding, the bird, although in rapid […] Read More
Red-Lipped Batfish
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Lophiiformes
- Family
- Ogcocephalidae
- Genus
- Ogcocephalus
- Scientific Name
- Ogcocephalus darwini
Fun Fact: Despite its weird looks, the red-lipped batfish is harmless to humans
The bright red pouty lips of the Red-Lipped Batfish, are thought to attract mates, which is what bright red pouty lips do for humans. Two of the challenges of life for a fish, or any other life form, are to find food and once in a while, find a mate. The fins of the red-lipped […] Read More
Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Buteo
- Scientific Name
- B. lineatus
Fun Fact: Red-Shouldered Hawks reuse the same nesting area each year.
The Red-Shouldered Hawk has a ‘frenemy’ relationship with crows. While crows and hawks often fight, they also team up against owls. The red-shouldered hawk flies over developed woods and water. These are one of the most distinctively marked hawks, which makes them quite easy to identify. The upper part of their body is reddish-peach, almost […] Read More
Red-Tailed Cuckoo Bumblebee
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hymenoptera
- Family
- Apidae
- Genus
- Bombus
- Scientific Name
- Bombus rupestris
Fun Fact: N/A
Red-tailed cuckoo bumblebees (Bombus rupestris) are a species of cuckoo bumblebees that are native to Europe. They are parasitic, which means they do not have a colony or queen of their own. Instead, they lay their eggs in the nests of other bees. As their larvae develop, they consume the resources intended for the host […] Read More
Red-winged blackbird
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Icteridae
- Genus
- Agelaius
- Scientific Name
- Agelaius phoeniceus
Fun Fact: The male red-winged blackbird can sing to attract mates
The red-winged blackbird is found almost everywhere across North America except for deserts and mountains. The male is easily identified by the black glossy feathers and red shoulder patches. Its rich song can be heard every year beginning in the spring. It has also been known to attack people who wander too close to its […] Read More
Redback Spider
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- aranae
- Family
- Theridiidae
- Genus
- Latrodectus
- Scientific Name
- Latrodectus hasselti
Fun Fact: 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.
“The black widow’s cousin down under.” Similar in appearance to North America’s black widow, the redback spider is that rare spider whose venom can cause severe symptoms in humans. Their preferred habitat is in and around human dwellings, which increases the chance of a human running afoul of these small and otherwise shy creatures. Read […] Read More
Redbone Coonhound
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Originally bred to track raccoons.
The Redbone Coonhound was originally brought to the Colonies by Scottish and Irish immigrants. Though the breed itself is American, the Redbone Coonhound is genetically derived from Bloodhounds and Foxhounds. The Redbone Coonhound dates back to colonial days, but it has since made its way into the hearts of many households. With a loud bark […] Read More
Redcap Chicken
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Gallus
- Scientific Name
- Gallus gallus domesticus
Fun Fact: Unfortunately, redcap hens are not good mothers, as they are not broody and unenthusiastic about sitting on their eggs.
Redcaps, or Derbyshire redcaps, are a rare breed that first appeared in Derbyshire, England. They derive their name from the large rose comb on their heads, resembling a red cap. These chickens can grow up to 3.2 inches tall and have brown feathers with black tips. In addition, they have red earlobes, which is strange […] Read More
Redhump Eartheater
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Cichliformes
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Genus
- Geophagus
- Scientific Name
- Geophagus steindachneri
Fun Fact: The redhump eartheater are very passive fish and do well in aquariums with non-cichlid species
The redhump eartheater species (Geophagus steindachneri) is a fish that eats the substrate or earth in the bottoms of aquariums. Their name, Geophagus, means earth eater. They find food by engulfing mouthfuls of gravel and sand and sifting through it to find food. The leftover substrate is evacuated through the gills or mouth. Some species […] Read More
Redstart
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
- Genus
- Phoenicurus
- Scientific Name
- Phoenicurus phoenicurus
Fun Fact: They build their nests off the ground in tree holes, cavities, stone walls, and roofs
The redstart is a perching bird formerly thought to be part of the thrush family. However, now they are known to be a member of the Old World flycatcher family. They are versatile birds and live in various habitats throughout Europe and West Africa, ranging from parks, broadleaf woodlands, gardens, farmlands, heathlands, and hedgerows. As […] Read More
Redtail Catfish
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Siluriformes
- Family
- Pimelodidae
- Genus
- Phractocephalus
- Scientific Name
- Phractocephalus hemioliopterus
Fun Fact: One of three giant catfish species
The redtail catfish is a large, colorful fish that is native to the Amazon and Orinoco river basins of South America. It only lives in freshwater streams and rivers. Distinctive for its bright red fins and enormous size, this attractive fish is a popular exhibit in aquariums. 4 Amazing Facts About the Redtail Catfish It […] Read More
Reef Shark
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Chondrichthyes
- Order
- Carcharhiniformes
- Family
- Carcharhinidae
Fun Fact: Grey reef sharks can give birth without males
The term reef shark refers to five species of shark that live in coral reefs around the world. These are requiem sharks, which means that they give live birth, are migratory, and have good eyesight that helps them hunt at night. Though they can grow rather large, they’re not considered especially dangerous to humans. Four […] Read More
Regal Jumping Spider
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Arachnida
- Order
- Araneae
- Family
- Salticidae
- Genus
- Phidippus
Fun Fact: The regal jumping spider is the largest jumping spider in North America
The regal jumping spider, also known as the Phidippus regius, is a species of jumping spider that can be found in the southeastern United States. This is a type of jumping spider that is often kept as a pet in captivity. Regal jumping spiders are small and have an attractive coloration that makes them unusual […] Read More
Reindeer
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Rangifer
- Scientific Name
- Rangifer Tarandus
Fun Fact: Also known as the Caribou
“Travels more land space by foot annually than any other creature roaming the Earth” The reindeer has become somewhat of a whimsical animal. Tales of their ability to fly to pull Santa’s sleigh and other such stories have made them a fun focus for people both young and old. However, there is much to learn […] Read More
Repenomamus
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Gobiconodonta
- Family
- Gobiconodontidae
- Genus
- Repenomamus
- Scientific Name
- Repenomamus
Fun Fact: One of the biggest mammals of the dinosaur age that used to eat other dinosaurs
The Repenomamus was discovered in the year 2000, and at that point was given its name, which translates roughly to reptile mammal. Description and Size Repenomamus is a genus of two species, namely Repenomamus robustus and Repenomamus giganticus. It was one of the biggest mammals in the Mesozoic era. From the fossils that were found […] Read More
Reticulated python
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Pythonidae
- Genus
- Malayopython
- Scientific Name
- Malayopython reticulatus
Fun Fact: These popular pets can get big enough to kill their owner.
The reticulated python is the world’s longest snake and is a nonvenomous constrictor native to Southeast and South Asia. These are big, beautiful snakes, and just because they’re nonvenomous doesn’t make them not dangerous in the wrong hands. These snakes are one of the few with actual accounts of them having eaten humans. Incredible Reticulated […] Read More
Rex Rabbit
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Lagomorpha
- Family
- Leporidae
- Genus
- Oryctolagus
- Scientific Name
- Oryctolagus Cuniculus
Fun Fact: The King of Rabbits
Summary Also known as the “King of Rabbits,” the Rex rabbit originated in France in 1919. Not to be confused with the much smaller Mini Rex, the Rex rabbit is a medium-sized breed weighing 7.5 to 10.5 pounds on average. Rex Rabbits have unusually broad heads and plush fur that distinguish them from other domestic […] Read More
Rhamphosuchus
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Crocodilia
- Family
- Gavialidae
- Genus
- Rhamphosuchus
- Scientific Name
- Rhamphosuchus crassidens
Fun Fact: Rhamphosuchus had a narrow snout with a beak-like appearance.
Rhamphosuchus is an extinct genus of semi-aquatic crocodilians that lived during the Miocene in an area that is now the Indian subcontinent. Historically, paleontologists consider this giant reptile the largest crocodilian to have ever lived. However, recent studies have reviewed its size significantly. In addition to its size, the rhamphosuchus had a long and narrow […] Read More
Rhea
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Rheiformes
- Family
- Rheidae
- Genus
- Rhea
- Scientific Name
- Rhea americana & Rhea pennata
Fun Fact: Male rheas mate with up to a dozen females and single-handedly raise up to 80 chicks at once!
Male rheas mate with up to a dozen females and single-handedly raise up to 80 chicks at once! Rheas are ratites, a type of flightless bird with a flat breastbone with no keel. Other familiar ratites include ostriches, emus, and others. Rheas look most like ostriches, but smaller. There are currently three species of rheas, […] Read More
Rhesus Macaque
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Primate
- Family
- Old-world monkeys
- Genus
- Macaques
- Scientific Name
- Macaca mulatta
Fun Fact: Rhesus Macaques are the most widely distributed primate in terms of geographic diversity
The Rhesus Macaque can acclimate to almost any climate and has the broadest geographic range of any primate besides humans. Rhesus Macaque Summary The Rhesus Macaque is an exceptionally smart primate that has acclimated to human urbanization better than most animals. They and humans co-inhabit urban areas in several countries, especially India. These primates share […] Read More
Rhino Beetle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Genus
- Dynastinae
Fun Fact: Rhinoceros beetles can lift objects 850 times their weight
Rhino beetles can lift objects 850 times their weight. Summary Rhinoceros beetles are a group of herbivorous insects known for the horn-like projections on the males’ heads that look like the horns of a rhino. Rhino beetles are also known for their enormous strength. Adults can lift objects to 850 times their body weight. Rhinoceros […] Read More
Rhino Viper
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Viperidae
- Genus
- Bitis
- Scientific Name
- Bitis nasicornis
Fun Fact: The river jack snake has a gigantic horn-like scale on the tip of its nose.
The river jack snake has a gigantic horn-like scale on the tip of its nose. The rhino viper, also known as the river jack snake and the butterfly viper, is among the most unique-looking snakes in the world. With their forward-set eyes and complex markings, the head actually looks more like a gecko or lizard […] Read More
Rhinoceros
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Perissodactyla
- Family
- Rhinocerotidae
- Scientific Name
- Rhinocerotidae
Fun Fact: It’s horns are made from keratin!
This horned mammal is one of the most endangered animals on Earth The rhinoceros is an animal that was once found in Southeast Asia across Africa. Today, three rhino species are listed as “Critically Endangered” and clinging to small pockets of habitat. With its distinctive horn and massive size, the rhino is one of the most unique […] Read More
Rhode Island Red Chicken
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phasianidae
- Genus
- Gallus
- Scientific Name
- Gallus gallus domesticus
Fun Fact: Rhode Island Reds thrive in colder climates but are prone to frostbite, especially on their combs. But, if you smear some petroleum jelly on their combs, it can prevent frostbite
The Rhode Island Red is a great chicken breed for novice owners or backyard breeders due to its laid-back nature and adaptability. These chickens are notorious for their hardiness and ability to flourish in most environments. They can endure rain, heat, and snow and do it all with a happy-go-lucky attitude. These birds were developed […] Read More
Rhodesian Ridgeback
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact:
The mighty Rhodesian ridgeback is an unmistakable hound dog, identifiable for the ridge of striping fur along the spine. The breed originated in Africa, descending from a cross of Dutch imported Boers and other hunting dogs with the native African Khoikhoi dog. Over generations, the dogs were raised for tracking and baying – but not […] Read More
Rhombic Egg-Eater Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Dasypeltis
- Scientific Name
- Dasypeltis scabra
Fun Fact: When birds aren’t nesting, these snakes fast
It only eats birds’ eggs. The rhombic egg-eater snake is well-named. It has rhomboid-shaped splotches on its back, and it eats eggs and only eggs. Indeed, it only eats birds’ eggs, not the eggs of other reptiles or amphibians. Its physiology has actually evolved to make the most of this specialized diet, and unlike a […] Read More
Ribbon Eel
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Anguilliformes
- Family
- Muraenidae
- Genus
- Rhinomuraena
- Scientific Name
- Rhinomuraena quaesita
Fun Fact: Can fit its body into a tiny crevice of a reef
The ribbon eel is one of 223 species of moray eel. The ribbon eel is also called a ribbon moray, a Bernis eel and a leaf-nosed moray. These eels live on coral reefs in the Pacific and Indian Oceans off the coasts of southern Japan, eastern Africa, French Polynesia and Australia. They can live for […] Read More
Ribbon Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Thamnophis
- Scientific Name
- Thamnophis sauritus
Fun Fact: Ribbon snakes love water, but are excellent climbers too.
“These tiny snakes give live birth to their young” Eastern ribbon snakes can grow as long as 35 inches and are similar in appearance to garter snakes. They live in North America. Their diet includes frogs and fish. Ribbon snakes have a shy nature and aren’t venomous. Their lifespan is 10 to 11 years. 3 […] Read More
Rim Rock Crowned Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Tantilla
- Scientific Name
- Tantilla oolitica
Fun Fact: Rim rock crowned snakes made news in 2022 when a hiker discovered one of these rare snakes had died while attempting to swallow a centipede!
Rim rock crowned snakes are endemic to a tiny area of southeastern Florida, and scientists know very little about how it lives. Tiny, endangered, and ground-dwelling, rim rock crowned snakes recently made scientific and national news because a hiker discovered one that had died while attempting to swallow its prey. 3 Incredible Facts About Rim […] Read More
Ring-billed Gull
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Laridae
- Genus
- Larus
- Scientific Name
- Larus delawarensis
Fun Fact: The ring-billed gull feeds on vast quantities of human waste and garbage.
“The ring-billed gull is among the most common gulls in all of North America.“ Often found congregating near parking lots, restaurants, and landfills, this peculiar bird will do just about anything for an easy meal. It is brave and audacious enough to steal food from other birds as well directly from the hands of people. […] Read More
Ringed Kingfisher
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Coracliformes
- Family
- Alcedinidae
- Genus
- Megaceryle
- Scientific Name
- Megaceryle torquata
Fun Fact: Dives from perches to capture its prey!
The ringed kingfisher is the largest Kingfisher species native to North America. This bird is not exceptionally tall, but it can reach a length of 16 inches and a wingspan of 2 feet or more. Also known as the collared kingfisher, the ringed kingfisher is known for its bright white collar and dark, rust-colored breast. […] Read More
Rinkhals Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Elapidae
- Genus
- Hemachatus
- Scientific Name
- Hemachatus haemachatus
Fun Fact: This snake is known for playing dead as a defense against predators.
“This snake is known for playing dead as a defense against predators.” The Rinkhals snake sometimes called the ring-necked spitting cobra, is a venomous snake native to South Africa. It can grow to a length of three and a half feet. This snake can rear up and spread its hood like a true cobra but […] Read More
River Otter
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Musteliodae
- Genus
- Lontra
- Scientific Name
- Lontra canadensis
Fun Fact: The river otter can hold its breath for up to 8 minutes
“The river otter is the largest member of the weasel family.“ This species of otter is found across much of Canada and the United States. Identification of this marine mammal is easy, once you realize it is significantly smaller than the sea otter. That isn’t the only difference. While sea otters rarely come onto land, […] Read More
River Turtle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
Fun Fact: Inhabits freshwater habitats around the world!
River turtles are turtles that spend most of their lives in or near rivers. Most species are found in two families, Chelidae and Emydidae, with the latter including more than 50 species across 10 genera. The Mary river turtle, Elusar macrurus, is one of the most interesting examples of this type of turtle. Unfortunately, the […] Read More
Roadrunner
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Cuculiformes
- Family
- Cuculidae
- Genus
- Geococcyx
- Scientific Name
- Geococcyx californianus, Geococcyx velox
Fun Fact: Roadrunners are one of the few animals that prey on rattlesnakes and tarantula hawk wasps.
The roadrunner (Geococcyx) is a large ground bird in the cuckoo family, inhabiting desert habitats in North America. They spend much of their time swiftly running on the ground and waiting for prey like rattlesnakes, scorpions, and tarantula hawk wasps. And unlike their cartoon portrayals, these speedy birds can’t quite keep up with the coyote. […] Read More
Robber Flies
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Diptera
- Family
- Asilidae
- Scientific Name
- Asilidae
Fun Fact: The female pretend they are dead if they do not find the male worthy of mating.
Summary Robber Flies are flies that are known for their aggressive predator habits and can attack their prey mid-flight. They are found in abundance across the world and belong to a diverse insect family. Robber flies get their name because of their hostile behavior while attacking prey. They hide on their perches and suddenly attack […] Read More
Robin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Muscicapidae
Fun Fact: There are more than 45 species in Australia alone!
The robin is one of the most common songbirds and a staple of the American ecosystem. Its rich and beautiful songs are often a harbinger of the arrival of spring. There are several different species of robin. The two most common are the American robin and the European robin. Unless otherwise indicated, this article will […] Read More
Rock Bass
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Perciformes
- Family
- Centrarchidae
- Genus
- Ambloplites
- Scientific Name
- A. rupestris
Fun Fact: Rock bass can change their color slightly to camouflage.
Rock Bass Summary The rock bass (Ambloplites rupestris) also known as the black or rock perch, is a type of freshwater fish that belongs to the sunfish family. It’s a medium-sized fish native to the lakes and ponds in North America, popular with anglers for fishing purposes. They are generally smaller than smallmouth bass and […] Read More
Rock Crab
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Malacostraca
- Order
- Decapoda
- Family
- Cancridae
- Genus
- Cancer
- Scientific Name
- Cancer productus
Fun Fact: Males will fight each other to get to females.
The rock crab molts throughout its life, shedding its former shell. Typically, younger crabs molt multiple times in the same year. It is not until they are about four inches in width that they reduce their molting to an annual occurrence. This crustacean is a decapod, though most people refer to it as the red […] Read More
Rock Hyrax
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Hyracoidea
- Family
- Procaviidae
- Genus
- Procavia
- Scientific Name
- Procavia capensis
Fun Fact: Actually related to Elephants and Manatees!
Rock Hyrax Classification and Evolution The Rock Hyrax is a large species of Hyrax, most commonly found in Eastern Africa. They are also known as the Rock Dassie or the Rock Rabbit, due to their rodent-like appearance but despite this, they are thought to be most closely related to much larger animals including the Elephant […] Read More
Rock Python
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Pythonidae
- Genus
- Python
- Scientific Name
- Python sebae
Fun Fact: Rock pythons may have crossbred with the escaped Burmese pythons in Florida.
“The largest snake in Africa!“ It’s huge, it’s beautiful and though it’s nonvenomous, the African rock python is a reptile to be respected. Who needs venom when you have coils that can crush the life out of a grown goat and jaws that can unhinge to swallow it whole? Read on to learn more about […] Read More
Rockfish
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Actinopterygii
- Order
- Scorpaeniformes
Fun Fact: These fish can grow up to three feet long!
Rockfish come in a variety of colors like red, yellow, orange, black, and dark green. Rockfish are a huge family of about 100 different species that come in various shapes, sizes, and colors. About thirty-two of these 100 fishes are found in the Gulf of Alaska. These fishes can get huge and some of them […] Read More
Rockhopper Penguin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Sphenisciformes
- Family
- Spheniscidae
- Genus
- Eudyptes
- Scientific Name
- Eudyptes chrysocome
Fun Fact: There are 3 different species!
The smallest crested penguins. Rockhopper penguins are a breed of penguin that live off of island coastlines in the southern hemisphere. They are one of the smallest species of penguins and are best known for their crest of long yellow feathers, as well as their bright red eyes. Rockhopper penguins are among the most numerous […] Read More
Rodents
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Rodentia
Fun Fact: 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.
“Forty percent of all mammals are rodents!” Rodents are among the most successful animals on earth. Much of this is because of the ferocious reproductive rate of many rodents. The brown rat, for example, can breed seven times a year and produce as many as 14 kittens per litter. Rodents are highly adaptable when it […] Read More
Roe Deer
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Artiodactyla
- Family
- Cervidae
- Genus
- Capreolus
- Scientific Name
- Capreolus capreolus
Fun Fact: The roe is one of the most popular game animals in Europe
Native to mixed forests and grasslands across the continent, the roe is among the smallest deer species of Europe. Its size pales in comparison to the massive and regal red deer, with whom it shares a similar ecological niche. It’s also much smaller than the fallow deer. Nevertheless, the roe is also incredibly important as […] Read More
Rooster
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Galliformes
- Family
- Phaisianidae
- Genus
- Gallus
- Scientific Name
- Gallus domesticus
Fun Fact: Will mate with the entire flock!
The rooster is a barnyard animal that often appears on wind vanes and country-themed home decor. A rooster is an adult male chicken (Gallus gallus domesticus), which is the domesticated subspecies of the red jungle fowl. A rooster might also be called a cock (or if castrated, a capon), while a young male is a […] Read More
Root Aphids
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Hemiptera
- Family
- Aphididae
Fun Fact: Nymphs take 9 to 10 days on average to mature, with a complete lifespan of an estimated 30 days.
Root aphids that live above or at the soil line are members of the Phylloxera family and are near-cousins of aphids. Unfortunately, they are an escalating problem, particularly among indoor growers. In addition, they are spreading fast to regions where they previously did not occur. Unlike green aphids, they are hard to spot on stems […] Read More
Rose-Breasted Grosbeak
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Carinalidae
- Genus
- Pheucticus
- Scientific Name
- Pheucticus ludovicianus
Fun Fact: This bird is also called cut-throat because the male looks like his throat has been cut and has bled over his breast.
The rose-breasted grosbeak’s song is known for its sweetness. Males begin to sing in the morning and females sing while building their nests. This bird is easy to identify because of its colors. It has a rosy breast, and the white bars on its wings are easily seen when it flies. Its big, conical beak […] Read More
Roseate Spoonbill
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Ciconiiformes
- Family
- Threskiornithidae
- Genus
- Ajaja
- Scientific Name
- Ajaja ajaja
Fun Fact: The only Spoonbill in the western hemisphere!
Roseate Spoonbill Classification and Evolution The Roseate Spoonbill is a large species of wading Bird, found from the Gulf Coast of the United States to Argentina at the tip of South America. The Roseate Spoonbill is one of six Spoonbill species found across the world, and although they all inhabit warmer, tropical climates, the Roseate […] Read More
Rosy Boa
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Boidae
- Genus
- Lichanura
- Scientific Name
- Lichanura trivirgata, Lichanura orcutti
Fun Fact: One of the few snakes that naturally comes in a rainbow of colors!
The rosy boa is one of two boa species native to areas of California, Arizona, Nevada, and Mexico. A shy, reclusive species, the rosy boa is a popular pet thanks to its calm temperament and beautiful colors. It is a smaller cousin to the much larger red tail boa that lives in South America. Like […] Read More
Rotterman
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lups
Fun Fact: Rottermans are the perfect breed for search and rescue training, and they make excellent guard dogs.
The Rotterman is the result of crossbreeding a Rottweiler and a Doberman Pinscher. It is a large and powerful breed that needs a strong owner. While their parent breeds are notorious for being aggressive, the Rotterman is very affectionate, loyal, and protective. When raised with pets and children, they are patient and very tolerant. Because […] Read More
Rottle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus familiaris
Fun Fact:
Rottle Introduction Rottles, also known as Rottie-Poos or Rottidoodles, are a relatively recent hybrid of the Rottweiler and the Poodle that originated in the United States in the 1980s. Their Rottweiler ancestors may have been descended from dogs left behind in northern Europe by the retreating Roman army. Modern Rottles have been bred to combine […] Read More
Rottsky
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Many Rottskies have one brown eye and one blue eye.
Many Rottskies have one brown eye and one blue eye. You’ll never find a better guard dog than a Rottsky, an active, intelligent, loyal hybrid mix between a Rottweiler and a Siberian Husky. Rottskies are energetic, muscular canines who only thrive when they can get lots of exercise. They can be headstrong, too, so consistent […] Read More
Rottweiler
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: Strong, loyal and self-assured!
The Rottweiler is also known as the Rottie, the Rott, or Rottweil Metzgerhund (German for “Butcher’s Dog”). It is the 8th most popular dog according to the American Kennel Club, one of the 10 smartest dogs, and one of the most loyal breeds. Descended from the ancient Roman drover dog and related to the Italian […] Read More
Rottweiler Mix
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: This Rottweiler mix is devoted to its loved ones and usually forms a strong bond with its primary caregiver
The Rottweiler needs no introduction, the whole world knows about this breed, and unfortunately, they don’t have the best reputation. But one should never judge a book by its cover; if you flip the page over, you might be pleasantly surprised. This breed were once hard-working dogs used to pull carts, but now their main […] Read More
Rough Earth Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Haldea
- Scientific Name
- Haldea striatula
Fun Fact: It has a pointed snout that is uses to burrow into moist soil.
This nonvenomous snake is small and slender; it prefers staying hidden under the leaf litter, rocks, and compost piles, where it will live most of its life. Rough earth snakes are so small they are sometimes mistaken for the worms they love to eat. Incredible Rough Earth Snake Facts Juvenile rough earth snakes are often […] Read More
Rough Green Snake
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Colubridae
- Genus
- Opheodrys
- Scientific Name
- Opheodrys aestivus
Fun Fact:
“The rough green snake is the snake with the slightly angeled scales.” The non-venomous rough green snake is quite a remarkable sight. Identification is quite easy because their bright emerald, green scales are unmistakable. Still, they blend in with the lush plant life around them in their preferred habitats, which include wetlands, uplands, forests, and […] Read More
Rough-Legged Hawk (Rough-Legged Buzzard)
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Accipitriformes
- Family
- Accipitridae
- Genus
- Buteo
- Scientific Name
- Buteo lagopus
Fun Fact: Its scientific name, lagopus, is Ancient Greek for “hare” and “foot,” referring to its feathered feet and toes.
“Their habitats include tundra and Arctic coasts during the breeding season.” Summary The rough-legged hawk (Buteo lagopus), also known as the rough-legged buzzard, lives on three continents across 50 countries. It inhabits the Arctic tundra during spring and summer and open grasslands and prairies during the winter. This hawk has unusual adaptations, such as feathered […] Read More
Rove Beetle
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Staphylinidae
Fun Fact: When threatened, rove beetles raise the ends of their body like scorpions, but they have no sting.
When threatened, the rove beetle will raise the ends of its body like a scorpion, but it has no sting or venom. Summary Rove beetles are a family of insects called Staphylinidae. The family contains thousands of species found in a variety of habitats all over the world. Rove beetles don’t have the ovoid shape […] Read More
Royal Penguin
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Sphenisciformes
- Family
- Spheniscidae
- Genus
- Eudyptes
- Scientific Name
- Eudyptes schlegeli
Fun Fact: Can reach speeds of 20mph!
“A Single Event Could Wipe Out Royal Penguins” Residents of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters, the royal penguin remains “a riddle, wrapped in a mystery, inside an enigma.” After decades of study, researchers still aren’t 100 percent sure where the species jets to for about six months a year! They likely hang around Australian, Tasmanian, […] Read More
Rubber Boa
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Boidae
- Genus
- Charina
- Scientific Name
- Charina bottae
Fun Fact: Rubber boas are one of North America’s only boa species.
Summary “Rubber boas are sometimes called two-headed snakes” The rubber boa has a glossy covering of brownish yellow scales. They can live in a forest, grassland, or mountain habitat. They are carnivores with a diet of rodents, small bats, small birds, and snake eggs. There’s a northern species of rubber boa as well as a […] Read More
Ruby-Crowned Kinglet
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Passeriformes
- Family
- Regulidae
- Genus
- Corthylio
- Scientific Name
- Corthylio Calendula
Fun Fact:
The Ruby-Crowned Kinglet is one of the smallest songbirds found in North America. The males have a red patch on the top of their heads. However, this is rarely displayed and is usually hidden. They are known for their apparent nervousness, in that they constantly flutter their wings as they dart around bushes and trees […] Read More
Ruby-Throated Hummingbird
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Archilochus
- Scientific Name
- Archilochus colubris
Fun Fact: Ruby-throated hummingbirds can beat their wings more than 50 times per second.
The ruby-throated hummingbird moves its wings over 50 times per second and can fly forward and backward, and even hover in place. In many parts of the Eastern United States, the arrival of ruby-throated hummingbirds signifies that spring has finally arrived. These birds migrate about 2,100 miles twice a year. To attract them, fill your […] Read More
Ruddy Turnstone
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Charadriiformes
- Family
- Scolopacidae
- Genus
- Arenaria
- Scientific Name
- Arenaria interpres
Fun Fact: They flip over stones to find prey
“They can fly up to 47mph.“ Ruddy Turnstone birds have short, bright orange legs they use to run on sandy or rocky beaches. They live in a variety of climates, from tropical to polar. The range of this bird extends to coastal areas worldwide. They eat insects, crustaceans, fish, bird eggs, and seaweed. 4 Ruddy […] Read More
Rufous Hummingbird
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Aves
- Order
- Apodiformes
- Family
- Trochilidae
- Genus
- Selasphorus
- Scientific Name
- Selasphorus rufus
Fun Fact: The males have a glowing iridescent orange patch on their chests.
This hummingbird has brilliant coloring and can travel from Alaska to Mexico in one migration. As one of seven species of hummingbirds in its genus, the Rufous hummingbird is named for the reddish-orange coloring that most males have on their heads and chests. They favor red-colored flowers but also eat insects. Learn more about these […] Read More
Russel’s Viper
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Squamata
- Family
- Viperidae
- Genus
- Daboia
- Scientific Name
- Daboia russelii
Fun Fact: A Russel’s viper strike is so forceful it can lift its entire body off the ground.
Russel’s viper is a highly venomous snake that inhabits areas in the Indian subcontinent and is one of the top culprits of snakebite envenomations in the region. This four to six-foot-long viper is reputed to be aggressive, and is certainly willing to bite; however, they’re more interested in eating the rats and mice that follow […] Read More
Russell Terrier
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: The Russell Terrier was bred to be a good fox hunter with a keen sense of smell
While the Russell Terrier is rarely used as a hunting dog anymore, that has not actually dulled its hunting instincts. This is a highly athletic breed with a tendency to chase things. The Russell Terrier (also known as an English Russell Terrier in some parts of the world) is a small, alert, and lively dog […] Read More
Russian Bear Dog
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Canidae
- Genus
- Canis
- Scientific Name
- Canis lupus
Fun Fact: The bite of a Russian Bear Dog is stronger than a lion’s bite.
The bite of a Russian Bear Dog is stronger than a lion’s bite. Russian Bear Dogs, commonly referred to as Caucasian Shepherd Dogs, were originally bred to protect flocks of sheep in the Caucasus Mountain region of Georgia, Armenia, Azerbaijan, North Ossetia, and Dagestan. The breed was developed in the 1920s from similar dogs in […] Read More
Russian Blue
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Mammalia
- Order
- Carnivora
- Family
- Felidae
- Genus
- Felis
- Scientific Name
- Felis catus
Fun Fact: First brought to the UK in the 1800s!
Like many other breeds, the Russian Blue was brought to England as a curiosity by far-ranging British seamen. From these small beginnings in the 1860s, the breed disseminated all over the western world but never in any large numbers. Despite its many sterling qualities, Russian Blues have one character trait that kept them from becoming […] Read More
Russian Tortoise
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Chordata
- Class
- Reptilia
- Order
- Testudines
- Family
- Testudinidae
- Genus
- Agrionemys
- Scientific Name
- Agrionemys horsfieldii
Fun Fact: Known by at least five different names
“A relatively small size, but big personality.” The Russian Tortoise is one of five species of Mediterranean tortoises, which are in the reptile family. These tortoises live primarily in burrows. Russian Tortoises prefer arid climates for their habitats, and as such are prone to shell rot in captivity if care is not taken to make […] Read More
Popular Animals starting with R
Rabbit
There are more than 300 different species!
Newest Animals that Start with the Letter R
The most recently added Animals that start with the letter R.
Red Star Chicken
The red star chicken is classified as a sex-link breed due to the male and female chicks differing in color, which means it is really easy to determine the sex shortly after they hatch.
Rock Bass
Rock bass can change their color slightly to camouflage.
Animal by Letter Lists
- Animals that Start with A
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- Animals that Start with O
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- Animals that Start with R
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- Animals that Start with X
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About the Author
AZ Animals is a growing team of animals experts, researchers, farmers, conservationists, writers, editors, and — of course — pet owners who have come together to help you better understand the animal kingdom and how we interact.
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Red is the color of love, passion, joy, and strength. It’s one of the most popular colors in the world for many people, and it also happens to be a popular color in the animal kingdom as well.
On this list, you’ll find some interesting and even exotic red animals. Contrary to popular belief, red animals are not necessarily poisonous to eat, although some are. There doesn’t seem to be a correlation between animal color and edibility.
Here are some of the most interesting red animals.
1. Arizona Coral Snake
Scientific Name | Micruroides euryxanthus |
Classification | Reptile |
Size | Up to 3 feet |
Habitat | Deserts |
The Arizona coral snake is endemic to Arizona’s deserts. Its red coloration makes it easy to spot compared to other snakes that share the same habitat, such as the rattlesnake. Fortunately for us, the Arizona coral snake doesn’t have enough venom to harm humans. However, it is a venomous snake species, so it’s not advisable to keep one as a pet.
2. Black-banded Trinket Snake
Scientific Name | Oreocryptophis |
Classification | Reptile |
Size | Up to 40 inches |
Habitat | Forested hills |
The black-banded trinket snake, sometimes also referred to as the rat snake, is a commonly found snake especially in Southeastern Asia. While the looks of this snake might be menacing, it is a pretty harmless animal for humans. It’s a non-venomous snake that is often adored for its bright red colors.
3. Calotes
Scientific Name | Calotes versicolor |
Classification | Reptile |
Size | Up to 23 inches |
Habitat | Forests |
The calotes is a genus of lizards that are sometimes also known as the forest lizard. These animals are found in different colorations, including red. Most notably, they have a red head, which is why some people also call them bloodsuckers.
4. Cardinal Beetle
Scientific Name | Phyrochroa serraticornis |
Classification | Insect |
Size | 0.35 inches |
Habitat | Forests |
The cardinal beetle is commonly found in the forests of Europe and Britain, where it will feed on smaller insects. It is easily distinguishable by its red body and the black underside and wings.
5. Cherry Shrimp
Scientific Name | Neocaridina davidi |
Classification | Malacostraca |
Size | 1.6 inches |
Habitat | Freshwater |
The cherry shrimp, sometimes also called the red shrimp, is a very common pet. Many people like to own this animal because of its bright red color. Aesthetically pleasing, the cherry shrimp is also not a very demanding pet to own, making it ideal for beginners.
6. Cochineal
Scientific Name | Sternorrhyncha |
Classification | Insect |
Size | 0.20 inches |
Habitat | Tropical forest |
The cochineal primarily lives in the forests of tropical and subtropical South America, where it has been collected ever since the Aztecs. People have used these insects for producing dye. You can do that by collecting the carminic acid, which results in about 24% of the entire weight of this small insect.
7. Coconut Octopus
Scientific Name | Amphioctopus marginatus |
Classification | Cephalopod |
Size | 6 inches |
Habitat | Ocean |
Last but not least on this list of animals that are red, we have the coconut octopus. Sometimes, this octopus is also referred to as the veined octopus because of its red, veiny appearance.
8. East Pacific Red Octopus
Scientific Name | Octopus rubescens |
Classification | Cephalopod |
Size | Up to 15 inches |
Habitat | Ocean |
The eastern pacific red octopus usually occurs near the sea surface. It is usually found near the shore where it will usually float at about the depth of 300 meters. There, it will collect food and hunt its prey.
9. Humboldt Squid
Scientific Name | Dosidicus gigas |
Classification | Cephalopod |
Venom | Low |
Size | 6 feet |
Habitat | Ocean |
Next up, we have the Humboldt squid. Now, this animal might not be entirely red in color; rather, it presents a blend of gray and red. It’s also a menacing animal in the sea, where it will collect and eat smaller animals such as fish and plankton. It also has venom, but it’s not very dangerous to humans, although it can cause some irritation and pain.
10. Ladybugs
Scientific Name | Coccinellidae |
Type of Animal | Insect |
Range | Worldwide |
Diet | Omnivore |
The ladybug is a tiny but bright red insect that is found around the world. They’re a popular bug among children as you can let them walk over your skin if you hold still enough. While it’s got a beautiful name and looks lovely, it’s not as nice as it seems. Ladybugs are actually known to eat one another!
Related Article: Red Ladybug Spiritual Meaning & Symbolism
11. Louisiana Crawfish
Scientific Name | Procambarus clarkii |
Classification | Malacostraca |
Size | Up to 4.7 inches |
Habitat | Freshwater |
In 2016, the Louisiana crawfish was considered to be an invasive species because of its infiltration into other habitats. Usually, this crayfish is usually found in the freshwater bodies of Northern Mexico and the southern states of the United States.
12. Mandrill
Scientific Name | Mandrillus sphynx |
Classification | Mammal |
Size | Up to 37 inches |
Habitat | Rainforests |
While the mandrill might not be entirely red, it has a vibrant red stripe down its face. The mandrill is a large primate that can get very aggressive towards other males as well other mammals that might threaten its territory. It is considered a vulnerable animal and is only found in small parts of western Africa.
13. Mwanza flat-headed Rock Agama
Scientific Name | Agama mwanzae |
Classification | Reptile |
Size | Up to 1 inch |
Habitat | Serengeti |
The Mwanza flat-headed Rock agama is sometimes also called the Spiderman agama thanks to its blue and red coloration. The red color is dominant on its body, though. This agama likes to hide between rocks and hunt insects.
14. Neurothemis Fulvia
Scientific Name | Neurothemis Fulvia |
Classification | Insect |
Size | Up to 1 inch |
Habitat | Wet forests |
The Neurothemis Fulvia is a red type of dragonfly that is commonly found in wet forests, especially in Asia. The males of this species are red while females tend to be brown or orange.
15. Northern Cardinal
Scientific Name | Cardinalis cardinalis |
Classification | Bird |
Size | 9 inch |
Habitat | Forests |
The northern cardinal is truly a sight to behold. It is an entirely red bird with some black coloration around its beak. Females, on the other hand, carry a brighter shade of red and are sometimes even brown or orange. Males are known for their bright red color that is meant to attract mates.
16. Redback Spider
Scientific Name | Latrodectus hasselti |
Classification | Arachnid |
Venom | Medium-High |
Size | Up to 0.5 inch |
Habitat | Forests, open fields |
The redback spider, also known as the Australian black widow, is one of the most feared spider species in the world. It is known for its red stripe on its black body, as well as its relatively potent toxin. The bite of a redback spider can result in pain and nausea, as well as dizziness and potentially more severe complications, so it’s fair to say that you’d want to avoid meeting this little beast!
17. Red Fox
Scientific Name | Vulpes vulpes |
Classification | Mammal |
Size | Up to 20 inches |
Habitat | Forests |
While it’s called the red fox, arguably this fox is more commonly orange than red.
The earliest descendants of the Vulpes vulpes come from about 2 million years ago when a smaller ancestor of the red fox was found in Hungary.
About 400.000 years ago, this fox species spread all over the world, most notably, today’s North America. Nowadays, the red fox is one of the most common fox species in the world.
18. Red-Spotted Newt
Scientific Name | Notophthalmus viridescens |
Classification | Amphibian |
Size | 8 inches |
Habitat | Semi-aquatic habitats |
Next up, we have the red-spotted newt. This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful newt species in the world, particularly known for its red coloration with black spots on its body. There are many different subspecies of newts found in all colors and sizes, but the red-spotted newt is arguably one of the prettiest.
19. Red Kangaroo
Scientific Name | Osphranter rufus |
Classification | Mammal |
Size | 5.2 ft |
Habitat | Australia |
For Australians, seeing kangaroos is almost a daily occurrence. These hopping mammals are seen everywhere, especially in the drier parts of the continent. The red kangaroo is one of the most common species of kangaroo, and it’s also the largest mammal species to live on this continent. While it might look more brown than red, we call it the red kangaroo to differentiate it from other Kangeroos that are more grey in color.
20. Red Lory
Scientific Name | Eos bornea |
Classification | Bird |
Size | 12 inches |
Habitat | Forests |
The red lory is a species of parrot that lives in New Guinea, Australia, and the Pacific. It’s known for its vivid red coloration and its beautiful appearance.
21. Red Panda
Scientific Name | Ailurus fulgens |
Classification | Mammal |
Size | Up to 25 inches |
Habitat | Forests of Himalaya |
The red panda is something of a phenomenon. It doesn’t necessarily look like a panda; rather, you might confuse it for a fox, thanks to its red colors and relatively small stature. But this cute panda is endangered and we should keep a close eye on it.
22. Red Squirrel
Scientific Name | Sciurus vulgaris |
Classification | Mammal |
Size | 12 inches |
Habitat | Forests |
The red squirrel, also known as the Eurasian red squirrel, is a pretty common squirrel species found in the forests of Europe and Asia. This lovely little creature has sharp claws, so it can climb steep and hard-to-reach surfaces, such as trees. Most notably, this animal has a distinct red pelt.
23. Scarlet Ibis
Scientific Name | Eudocimus ruber |
Classification | Bird |
Size | 25 inches |
Habitat | Swampy areas |
The first animal on this list is a bit special. It is the scarlet ibis that lives in South America and the Caribbean islands. It’s similar to many other animals from the ibis family, but its distinguishing factor is the stunningly beautiful scarlet coloration. Adult specimens are all scarlet, while juveniles might have other patterns of coloration also included.
24. Scarlet Lily Beetle
Scientific Name | Lilioceris lilii |
Classification | Insect |
Size | ⅜ inch |
Habitat | Grasslands |
The scarlet lily beetle is a common beetle species that likes to preside in grasslands and other similar habitats. It will feed on insects and also vegetation – most notably, leaves. This animal is considered to be a pest, so it is actively removed by farmers. Shame, since the animal is so pretty with its bright red colors.
25. Scarlet Macaw
Scientific Name | Ara macao |
Classification | Bird |
Size | 32 inches |
Habitat | Rainforests |
The scarlet macaw is a very commonly seen parrot species, especially in zoos and as pets. They are some of the most beautiful birds in the world, as they combine the colors of red, blue, green, and yellow, where red is often the most dominant color. They’re very popular pets due to their ability to accurately recreate human voices.
26. Siamese Fighting Fish
Scientific Name | Betta splendens |
Classification | Fish |
Size | 2.4-3.1 inch |
Habitat | Ocean |
The betta fish is also called the Siamese fighting fish. It is arguably one of the most beautiful fish species in the world. It is known for its aggressive character – so much so that in the past, people from Thailand used these fish to pit them against each other as they arranged fights. But this doesn’t take away from the beauty of this animal, which is often seen in aquariums all over the world!
27. Starfish
Scientific Name | Asteroidea |
Classification | Asterozoa |
Size | 40 inches |
Habitat | Sea, ocean |
We simply could not create this list without including the starfish. It’s one of the most commonly seen creatures deep down in oceans and seas, where it will ponder about to find food. There are more than 1900 different subspecies of starfish, but by far the most common color of these species is red.
28. Strawberry Poison-dart Frog
Scientific Name | Oophaga pomilio |
Classification | Amphibian |
Venom | Medium |
Size | Up to 0.87 inch |
Habitat | Forests |
While the strawberry poison-dart frog is primarily red, you will find it in different colorations. This frog has a menacing red color which is meant to keep its predators away. And if that doesn’t help, this frog also carries toxins which it will use against its predators. They are meant to keep them safe.
Did you know: Poison Dart Frogs can also be Orange
29. Tomato Frog
Scientific Name | Dyscophus antongilii |
Classification | Amphibian |
Venom | Medium |
Size | Up to 3.5 inches |
Habitat | Forests |
The tomato frog, like the strawberry poison dart frog, has toxins. However, the tomato frog carries these toxins on its skin. The venom will act when a predator tries to pick up the frog. Once the toxins get active, they will cause the predator to drop the frog from its mouth. It’s an effective defensive mechanism that tells other predators not to mess with this beautiful frog.
30. Velvet Ants
Scientific Name | Mutillidae |
Classification | Insect |
Venom | Medium |
Size | ¾ inch |
Habitat | Open, dry areas |
Velvet ants are often undesirable when it comes to farmers. They have the ability to kill animals in a matter of minutes through their bites, so it’s fair to say they are quite dangerous. Velvet ants are primarily red and black, but might also be found in other coloration patterns, such as gold, white, or silver.
31. Western Red Scorpionfish
Scientific Name | Scorpaena sumptuosa |
Classification | Fish |
Size | 15 inches |
Habitat | Ocean |
The western red scorpionfish is a fish species usually found in seas and oceans. It’s endemic to southwest Australia, where it is sometimes disguised among corals. It has poisonous dorsal spines that get erected when the fish is threatened, which act as a defensive mechanism against predators.
Conclusion
Red animals are usually perceived to be dangerous because of their vivid coloration, but that isn’t always necessarily the case. There is great variety of these animals, and you’ll find all types of animals on this list.
I am the founder and owner of Fauna Facts. My mission is to write valuable and entertaining information about animals and pets for my audience. I hope you enjoy the site!
Red denotes passion, desire, energy, and love, so it probably isn’t a surprise that there are a ton of red animals. It also happens to be the color of courage, leadership, joy, and strength, thus making it a popular color of representation.
The power of the color red has even shaped our views of red animals. These animals and their varying shades of red, from crimson and burnt orange to rusty red hues, just capture our attention like no other. Nonetheless, red isn’t an uncommon color in animals; you can see it in several species of shrimp and in places off the coast of Costa Rica and Christmas Island.
So, today we are going to discuss 20 of these beautifully created red animals, some of which are as pretty as they are terrifying.
20 of the Most Interesting Red Animals in the World
There’s no denying red animals are beautiful, but also keep in mind that some of them can be deadly, as our list will show you.
1. Tomato Frog
This is a beautiful animal type common to the frog nation. Tomato frogs are endemic to Madagascar. The females have bright red and orange to bright dark red coats and the males have a duller orange hue on their bodies.
As far as red animals go, these might not be the most beautiful, but they’re definitely among the rarest.
2. Red Ladybug
The red ladybug or lady beetle is a natural enemy of many insects, which you can usually find crawling on rocks and plants. Their oval-shaped bodies can have many colors, from Yellow and pink to red and black.
Red colored beetles are so terrifyingly beautiful that they often discourage other animals from coming to them. Their bright color is what makes them a beautiful terror!
3. Scarlet Ibis
Inhabiting tropical South America and Caribbean islands, this red-colored bird is a must-mention on this list. It is also one of the two national birds of Trinidad and Tobago. The red prince is, indeed, a beautiful bird! It’s also among the many red animals it won’t hurt to stare at all day.
4. Red Sea Star
It’s not just the cherry shrimp you have to watch out for because the red sea star can also give it a run for its money. This lonely living red Starfish has various shades of reds in its body and often has patterns of animal color consisting of red and black.
They also carry red and black dots all over their body, which gives them a prominent look. Surprisingly, they have neither blood nor brain yet have the ability to reproduce lost arms. That’s beauty without brains for you!
5. Red Humboldt Squid
They are often named as the “Red Devils”. Their rusty-red appearance and angry attitude are enough to produce fear in your mind. They can grow up to seven feet and have the ability to rip their prey apart with their parrot-like beak and needle-sharp teeth.
6. Northern Cardinal
Here’s Another beauty in red. This North American Redbird is a songbird, with the male of its species having fiery red bodies and the females having only olive grey feathers.
7. Red-Spotted Newts
These newts are common in Eastern North America and do not possess the bright red color in every stage of their life. These amphibians turn a fantastic red-orange color during their juvenile stage.
8. Red Snakes
There are a number of snakes that hold some shade of red, but the red isn’t strong enough to be incorporated in their names. Though there are some whose reds are significant enough such as the Red Racer, Red Coachwhip, and English Red Snake.
9. Fulvous Forest Skimmer
This red colored dragonfly can be found in India. Its brownish red wings have ash tips at the ends. Winged red animals are always a joy to behold and this one is no exception.
10. Baronet Euthalia Nais
This is a brilliant red butterfly with black scattered spots on its body. It is mainly found in South Asian countries including India.
11. Red Squirrel
This arboreal omnivore is a tree squirrel with red furs all over its body. It is one of the numerous animals in red found in Eurasia.
12. Red Tabby Cat
Tabby cats are those specific cats which have distinctive striped or dotted coats with an ‘M’ pattern on the forehead. Red tabby cats are beautifully created cute cats that have unique coats. They also make great pets!
13. Red Kangaroo
The Red Kangaroo is the largest kangaroo in the world. This largest mammal of Australia is also the largest surviving marsupial.
14. Red Velvet Termites
Red Velvet Termites are arachnids found in soils. They come in cochineal color, which makes them even more terrifying parasites.
15. Red Krill
This is a red-colored amphipod that has no carapace and has a laterally compressed body.
16. Axolotl Calisto
This unique species belongs to the Tiger Salamander family and can be found in Mexico in Central America. This baby can regenerate almost all of its body parts.
17. Scottish Deerhound
This simple breed of Deerhound is mainly bred to hunt Red Deer through coursing.
18. Western Scorpion Fish
This fish is native to the temperate part of the Northwest Pacific, including Japan and South Korea. This red-colored animal is just 30 cm long.
19. Glass Eye Squirrelfish
This red-hued animal is mainly found in the tropical seas and can grow up to 50.7 cm in length.
20. Scarlet Lily Beetle
Last on our list of stunning red animals is this red insect that is mainly found in the buds, leaves, and flowers of lilies from which they are so named.
Why Are So Many Deep-Sea Animals Red in Color?
Why is it that the dominant color when it comes to animals in the ocean is red? There must be something in the water that makes these animals crimson. The truth is, deep in the water, fish and other animals are not that visible, which is why they are either red or black. Both black and red absorb all available wavelengths of color, resulting in their predominance at that depth.
Near the ocean surface, the color blue and other bright colors penetrate best and you will rarely ever see the black color. On the other hand, crimson colors can be seen at all depths. Anywhere deeper than midwater is simply no place for blue-colored animals, as their brightness makes them an easy target for predators.
What Animals Have Red Fur?
Red-haired animals just hit you right in the feels. Here are some creatures covered in the most gorgeous crimson fur:
- Horses
- Orangutans
- Monkeys
- Dogs
- Cats
- Rabbits
- Foxes
Red sometimes seems like an inhuman color among some animals. These creatures carry the color so well that you can’t help but be amazed. From the Capybaras of South America to the gorgeous foxes of North America, there’s an astounding number of red-furred creatures that will just take your breath away.
There’s just something about red fur that captures your eyes more than red-colored fish scales. Though, they’re about on par with the red national bird of the south.
Why Are Some Animals Red?
An animal’s color is dependent on its way of life and habitat. Red on an animal is also different from red on a plant. In the same vein, red can also have a different function on a predator as it does on prey animals. For prey, red can be for warding off predators and protecting against sunlight, while for a predator, it can be for luring in a mate or a prey.
For a butterfly, red can be for several different things at once, including attracting a mate and warding off predators. Sometimes the color crimson has to be arranged in a particular pattern that spells danger before it deters a trespassing animal.
The Color Red in Nature
Red is one of the most vibrant and bold colors and red-coloured animals are among the most beautiful representations of it. They are no doubt one of nature’s most exquisitely crafted creations. Nevertheless, while they are delightful to look at, you should still keep your distance from most of them.
That’s because even though red represents beauty, it also represents danger. In short, it’s basically telling you to look but not touch. We say it’s in your best interest to follow that advice more often than not. Red is striking to the eyes, sure, but you don’t want it striking you anywhere else.