50 Animals that start with L - Listed animals with pictures and facts - Simply Ecologist (2024)

List of 50 animals that start with L

1. Llama
2. Lion
3. Leopard
4. Lynx
5. Lemur
6. Lark
7. Loon
8. Lapwing
9. Ladybug
10. Lobster
11. Limpet
12. Locust
13. Longhorn
14. Lamprey
15. Leatherback turtle
16. Least weasel
17. Leafy sea dragon
18. Long-tailed tit
19. Lesser flamingo
20. Little penguin
21. Loggerhead turtle
22. Long-eared owl
23. Least sandpiper
24. Laughing kookaburra
25. Lesser panda
26. Lined seahorse
27. Little egret
28. Little grebe
29. Long-finned pilot whale
30. Long-nosed bandicoot
31. Long-tailed chinchilla
32. Louisiana pine snake
33. Lowland streaked tenrec
34. Luzon bleeding-heart
35. Lycra crab
36. Lyrebird
37. Lynx spider
38. Leaf-tailed gecko
39. Lemon shark
40. Leopard seal
41. Little brown bat
42. Long-beaked echidna
43. Long-billed curlew
44. Lampshell
45. Lancehead
46. Long-nosed armadillo
47. Lemming
48. Long Billed Dowitcher
49. Lappet faced vulture
50. Leaf nosed bat

Llama

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Artiodactyla
• Family: Camelidae
• Genus: Lama

Short Description: The llama is a domesticated South American camelid that is closely related to the alpaca, guanaco, and vicuna. They are known for their long, soft wool and are often used as pack animals in mountainous regions of the Andes.

Fun Fact: Llamas are very social animals and often live in herds of up to 20 individuals. They communicate with each other through a variety of vocalizations, body language, and even spitting!

Link to Google pictures

Lion

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Felidae
• Genus: Panthera
• Species: Panthera leo

Short Description: The lion is a large, muscular carnivore that is native to Africa. They are the only cats that live in social groups called prides, and are known for their distinctive manes and powerful roars.

Fun fact: Male lions grow impressive manes the older they get. Thesemanescan growup to 16cm long and are a sign of dominance. The olderthey get, the darker their manes go.

Link to Google pictures

Leopard

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Felidae
• Genus: Panthera
• Species: Panthera pardus

Short Description: The leopard is a large, agile, and solitary carnivore that is native to Africa and Asia. They are known for their distinctive rosette-patterned fur and are often hunted for their hides.

Fun Fact: Leopards are excellent climbers and are able to climb trees while carrying prey that is much heavier than their own body weight. They are also very adaptable and can thrive in a variety of habitats, from forests to deserts.

Link to Google pictures

Lynx

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Felidae
• Genus: Lynx

Short Description: The lynx is a medium-sized wild cat that is native to Eurasia and North America. They are known for their distinctive tufted ears and short tails, and are skilled hunters of small mammals such as rodents and rabbits.

Fun Fact: Lynx are highly adapted to living in cold climates, with thick fur and large paws that help them navigate deep snow. They are also elusive and solitary animals, making them difficult to spot in the wild.

Link to Google pictures

Lemur

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Primates
• Suborder: Strepsirrhini
• Infraorder: Lemuriformes

Short Description: Lemurs are a diverse group of primates that are native to Madagascar and the nearby Comoro Islands. They are known for their large, expressive eyes, long tails, and unique vocalizations.

Fun Fact: Lemurs are highly adapted to living in their unique island ecosystems and have evolved a wide variety of ecological roles. Some species are seed dispersers, while others are pollinators or insectivores.

Link to Google pictures

Lark

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Alaudidae

Short Description: Larks are small to medium-sized birds that are found all over the world, except in polar regions and on some islands. They are known for their melodious songs and are often depicted in literature and poetry.

Fun Fact: Larks are highly adapted to living in grasslands and deserts, and have evolved unique physical and behavioral adaptations to survive in these harsh environments. Some species can even run or walk on the ground, rather than fly, to evade predators.

Link to Google pictures

Loon

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Gaviiformes
• Family: Gaviidae

Short Description: Loons are large water birds that are found in North America and Eurasia. They are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard from long distances across the water, and for their striking black and white plumage.

Fun Fact: Loons are excellent divers and can remain underwater for up to three minutes. They also have solid bones, which makes them heavier than other birds of the same size, and allows them to dive deeper and swim more efficiently.

Link to Google pictures

Lapwing

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Charadriidae

Short Description: Lapwings are medium-sized wading birds that are found in temperate regions throughout the world. They are known for their distinctive crested head and striking plumage, which often features metallic greens and blues.

Fun Fact: Lapwings are highly territorial and will defend their nesting sites fiercely against any perceived threats, including humans and other animals. They will feign injury to lure predators away from their nests, and will even attack intruders by dive-bombing them.

Link to Google pictures

Ladybug

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Coleoptera
• Family: Coccinellidae

Short Description:

Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds, are small beetles that are found all over the world. They are known for their bright, colorful appearance, which features black spots on a red or orange background, and for their ability to consume large quantities of aphids and other plant pests.

Fun Fact: Ladybugs are considered to be a symbol of good luck in many cultures, and are often associated with love and happiness. In some cultures, it is believed that counting the spots on a ladybug’s back can predict the number of happy months that lie ahead.

Link to Google pictures

Lobster

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Malacostraca
• Order: Decapoda
• Family: Nephropidae

Short Description: Lobsters are large marine crustaceans that are found in oceans around the world. They are known for their large claws, which they use for defense and to capture prey, and for their delicious meat, which is a popular delicacy in many parts of the world.

Fun Fact: Lobsters have a remarkable ability to regenerate lost limbs, including claws, antennae, and walking legs. They can also live for decades, with some specimens known to have lived for over 100 years.

Link to Google pictures

Limpet

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Mollusca
• Class: Gastropoda
• Order: Patellogastropoda
• Family: Lottidae

Short Description: Limpets are small to medium-sized marine gastropod mollusks that are found in intertidal zones and rocky shores around the world. They are known for their conical shells and strong muscular foot, which allows them to cling tightly to rocks and other surfaces.

Fun Fact: Limpets are able to withstand significant wave action and exposure to air during low tides, thanks to a special mucous coating that covers their shells and allows them to maintain moisture. They also have an unusual reproductive strategy, in which individuals can change their sex from male to female as they grow older.

Link to Google pictures

Locust

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Orthoptera
• Family: Acrididae

Short Description: Locusts are a type of grasshopper that are known for their ability to form large swarms that can devastate crops and vegetation. They are found in many parts of the world, particularly in arid and semi-arid regions.

Fun Fact: Locusts are able to change their behavior and physiology in response to changes in population density and environmental conditions. When populations are low, they behave as solitary insects, but when populations become crowded, they can rapidly change into swarming forms that are highly mobile and destructive.

Link to Google pictures

Longhorn

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Insecta
• Order: Coleoptera
• Family: Cerambycidae

Short Description: Longhorns are a group of beetles that are known for their long antennae, which can be as long as or longer than their body. They are found in many parts of the world and come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors.

Fun Fact: The length of the antennae on longhorns can vary significantly within a species, with some individuals having much longer antennae than others. The antennae are used to detect food, potential mates, and other environmental cues.

Link to Google pictures

Lamprey

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Hyperoartia
• Order: Petromyzontiformes
• Family: Petromyzontidae

Short Description: Lampreys are a type of jawless fish that are found in freshwater and saltwater habitats around the world. They are long and slender, and have a distinctive circular mouth with rows of teeth-like structures.

Fun Fact: Lampreys are known for their unusual feeding habits. They use their circular mouth to attach to the bodies of other fish, and then use their sharp teeth to rasp through the skin and suck the blood of their host. Some lampreys are also parasitic on marine mammals, such as seals.

Link to Google pictures

Leatherback turtle

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Dermochelyidae
• Genus: Dermochelys
• Species: D. coriacea

Short Description: The Leatherback Turtle is the largest of all sea turtles, and is known for its distinctive leathery shell. They are found in oceans around the world, and can dive to depths of up to 4,200 feet (1,280 meters).

Fun Fact: Leatherback Turtles are unique among sea turtles in that they lack a hard bony shell. Instead, their shell is made up of a layer of tough, leathery skin that is covered in small, bony plates. This makes them more flexible and streamlined than other sea turtles, and allows them to dive deeper and swim faster.

Link to Google pictures

Least weasel

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Mustelidae
• Genus: Mustela
• Species: M. nivalis

Short Description: The Least Weasel is the smallest species of true weasel, and is found throughout much of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are known for their long, slender bodies and short legs, which make them well-adapted for chasing prey through narrow tunnels and burrows.

Fun Fact: Despite their small size, Least Weasels are fierce predators that are known for their agility and speed. They are able to take down prey that is much larger than themselves, such as rabbits and rodents. They are also one of the few predators that are able to hunt and kill during the winter months when other prey species are scarce.

Link to Google pictures

Leafy sea dragon

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii
• Order: Syngnathiformes
• Family: Syngnathidae
• Genus: Phycodurus
• Species: P. eques

Short Description: The Leafy Sea Dragon is a type of marine fish that is found in the waters off the southern and western coasts of Australia. They are closely related to seahorses, and are known for their striking leaf-like appendages that help them blend in with the seaweed and kelp where they live.

Fun Fact: The Leafy Sea Dragon is considered to be one of the most stunning and unusual fish in the world, and is a popular attraction at aquariums around the globe. They are also very delicate creatures that are highly susceptible to changes in water temperature and pollution, which has led to conservation efforts to protect their populations.

Link to Google pictures

Long-tailed tit

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Aegithalidae
• Genus: Aegithalos
• Species: A. caudatus

Short Description: The Long-tailed Tit is a small bird found throughout Europe and Asia. They are known for their long tails, fluffy plumage, and distinctive black and white markings around their eyes. Long-tailed tit* are social birds that live in flocks and build intricate nests made from spider webs, moss, and lichen.

Fun Fact: Long-tailed tit* are sometimes referred to as “flying lollipops” due to their small, round bodies and long, thin tails. They are also known for their acrobatic abilities, which allow them to hang upside down while searching for insects and other small prey.

Link to Google pictures

Lesser flamingo

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Phoenicopteriformes
• Family: Phoenicopteridae
• Genus: Phoeniconaias
• Species: P. minor

Short Description: The Lesser Flamingo is a small species of flamingo found in parts of Africa, southern Asia, and western India. They are known for their bright pink feathers and long, thin legs, which allow them to wade through shallow water in search of small invertebrates and algae to eat.

Fun Fact: Lesser Flamingos are social birds that live in large colonies that can number in the tens of thousands. They use their distinctive pink feathers to attract mates, and perform elaborate courtship displays that involve synchronized movements and vocalizations.

Link to Google pictures

Little penguin

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Sphenisciformes
• Family: Spheniscidae
• Genus: Eudyptula
• Species: E. minor

Short Description: The Little Penguin, also known as the Fairy Penguin, is the smallest species of penguin, measuring only 33 cm in height and weighing around 1 kg. They are found along the coastlines of southern Australia, New Zealand, and nearby islands. Little Penguins have blue-grey feathers on their back and white feathers on their chest and belly.

Fun Fact: Little Penguins are the only penguin species that breed in Australia. They are known for their distinctive calls, which can be heard at night when they return to their burrows after a day of fishing in the sea.

Link to Google pictures

Loggerhead turtle

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Testudines
• Family: Cheloniidae
• Genus: Caretta
• Species: C. caretta

Short Description: The Loggerhead Turtle is a large sea turtle found in oceans around the world. They have a reddish-brown shell and can grow up to 3 feet in length and weigh over 250 pounds. Loggerheads feed mainly on crabs, mollusks, and jellyfish.

Fun Fact: Loggerhead Turtles are named for their large head, which is used to crush the shells of their prey. They are also known for their impressive navigation skills, as they can travel thousands of miles across the ocean and return to the same beach where they were born to lay their eggs.

Link to Google pictures

Long-eared owl

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Strigiformes
• Family: Strigidae
• Genus: Asio
• Species: A. otus

Short Description: The Long-eared Owl is a medium-sized owl species found across the Northern Hemisphere. They have long ear tufts on their head, which are actually just feathers and not ears. Long-eared Owls are brown in color with black and white markings, and they have bright yellow eyes.

Fun Fact: Long-eared Owls are known for their unique way of defending themselves from predators. When threatened, they will elongate their body and feathers, and then close their eyes and sway back and forth, making it difficult for predators to distinguish them from a tree branch.

Link to Google pictures

Least sandpiper

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Charadriiformes
• Family: Scolopacidae
• Genus: Calidris
• Species: C. minutilla

Short Description: The Least Sandpiper is a small shorebird found in North and South America. They have brownish-gray feathers and a white underside with streaks. Least Sandpipers have a thin, straight beak and small, dark eyes.

Fun Fact: Despite their small size, Least Sandpipers are impressive migrants, traveling over 6,000 miles from their breeding grounds in the Arctic tundra to their wintering grounds in South America. They also have a unique feeding strategy, using their beak to probe the mud for small invertebrates.

Link to Google pictures

Laughing kookaburra

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Coraciiformes
• Family: Halcyonidae
• Genus: Dacelo
• Species: D. novaeguineae

Short Description: The Laughing Kookaburra is a large bird found in eastern Australia. They have a distinctive, loud call that sounds like human laughter, which is why they are named the Laughing Kookaburra. They have brown and white feathers, a large beak, and a relatively short tail.

Fun Fact: The Laughing Kookaburra is sometimes called the “bushman’s clock” because of their tendency to vocalize just before sunrise and after sunset. Their call is also used to establish territory and communicate with other birds.

Link to Google pictures

Lesser panda

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Ailuridae
• Genus: Ailurus
• Species: A. fulgens

Short Description: The Lesser Panda, also known as the Red Panda, is a small, arboreal mammal native to the eastern Himalayas and southwestern China. They have reddish-brown fur with white markings on their face and tail. They have a distinctive long, bushy tail that helps them balance while climbing trees.

Fun Fact: The Lesser Panda’s diet consists mainly of bamboo, but they are also known to eat insects, small mammals, and birds. They have a special adaptation in their wrist bones that allows them to grip bamboo tightly and strip the leaves off with their teeth.

Link to Google pictures

Lined seahorse

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Actinopterygii
• Order: Syngnathiformes
• Family: Syngnathidae
• Genus: Hippocampus
• Species: H. erectus

Short Description: The Lined Seahorse is a small, marine fish found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from Nova Scotia to Venezuela. They have a distinctive body shape, with a long, slender snout and a prehensile tail that they use to anchor themselves to seaweed or other objects. They are called Lined Seahorses because of the horizontal lines on their body.

Fun Fact: The male Lined Seahorse is the one who carries and cares for the eggs until they hatch. The female deposits her eggs into a specialized pouch on the male’s abdomen, where he fertilizes and incubates them until they are ready to hatch.

Link to Google pictures

Little egret

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Pelecaniformes
• Family: Ardeidae
• Genus: Egretta
• Species: E. garzetta

Short Description: The Little Egret is a small, white heron with a slender black bill and black legs. They are found throughout much of the world, in both freshwater and saltwater habitats. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic creatures. Little Egrets are known for their striking, all-white plumage and their graceful, slow movements.

Fun Fact: Little Egrets were once considered a rare bird in Europe, but their numbers have increased dramatically over the last few decades. They are now a common sight in many parts of Europe, including the UK, where they have expanded their range northwards.

Link to Google pictures

Little grebe

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Podicipediformes
• Family: Podicipedidae
• Genus: Tachybaptus
• Species: T. ruficollis

Short Description: The Little Grebe, also known as the Dabchick, is a small waterbird with a rounded body, short neck, and a sharp bill. They are found in freshwater habitats such as ponds, lakes, and marshes. Little Grebes are excellent divers, using their wings to propel themselves underwater in search of small fish, insects, and other aquatic creatures.

Fun Fact: Little Grebes have a unique behavior known as “water dancing”. During the breeding season, they will perform a series of rapid, jerky movements on the surface of the water, accompanied by high-pitched calls. This behavior is thought to be a display of courtship.

Link to Google pictures

Long-finned pilot whale

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Cetacea
• Family: Delphinidae
• Genus: Globicephala
• Species: G. melas

Short Description: The Long-finned Pilot Whale is a large species of dolphin found in temperate and subarctic waters of the North Atlantic. They have a distinctive round head, elongated body, and long dorsal fin. Long-finned Pilot Whales are social animals that live in groups called pods and feed on a variety of fish and squid.

Fun Fact: Long-finned Pilot Whales are known for their unique vocalizations, which include whistles, clicks, and pulsed calls. They use these sounds to communicate with each other and navigate their environment. They are also one of the few mammal species that go through menopause, with females ceasing to reproduce in their 30s or 40s but living well into their 60s or 70s.

Link to Google pictures

Long-nosed bandicoot

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Peramelemorphia
• Family: Peramelidae
• Genus: Perameles
• Species: P. nasuta

Short Description: The Long-nosed Bandicoot is a small marsupial found in eastern and southern Australia. They have a long, pointed snout, small ears, and a thick tail. They are nocturnal animals that feed on insects, small mammals, and fruit. Long-nosed Bandicoots are solitary and territorial, and make small burrows to live in.

Fun Fact: Long-nosed Bandicoots have an excellent sense of smell, which they use to locate food underground. They also have a unique way of escaping from predators – when threatened, they run in a zig-zag pattern to confuse their pursuers.

Link to Google pictures

Long-tailed chinchilla

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Chinchillidae
• Genus: Chinchilla
• Species: C. lanigera

Short Description: The Long-tailed Chinchilla is a small rodent that is native to the Andes Mountains in South America. They have a dense and soft fur that comes in a range of colors including gray, brown, and white. They are social animals and live in groups, often in underground burrows. Long-tailed Chinchillas are herbivores and mainly feed on grasses, seeds, and plants.

Fun Fact: Long-tailed Chinchillas have the densest fur of any mammal, with up to 60 hairs growing from a single follicle. Their fur is highly prized, which has led to overhunting and habitat loss, making them an endangered species.

Link to Google pictures

Louisiana pine snake

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Suborder: Serpentes
• Family: Colubridae
• Genus: Pituophis
• Species: P. ruthveni

Short Description: The Louisiana Pine Snake is a nonvenomous snake that is native to the southeastern United States. They are large snakes, with adults averaging around 4-5 feet (1.2-1.5 meters) in length. They have a distinctive pattern of black and white stripes running down their back. Louisiana Pine Snakes are primarily found in pine forests and are known for their burrowing behavior. They are constrictors and feed on small mammals, such as rats and squirrels.

Fun Fact: The Louisiana Pine Snake is one of the rarest snake species in the United States and is considered endangered due to habitat loss and fragmentation. They are also threatened by road mortality, as they are often hit by cars while crossing roads.

Link to Google pictures

Lowland streaked tenrec

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Afrosoricida
• Family: Tenrecidae
• Genus: Hemicentetes
• Species: H. semispinosus

Short Description: The Lowland Streaked Tenrec is a small, spiny mammal that is native to Madagascar. They are around 4-6 inches (10-15 cm) in length and have a distinctive striped pattern on their back. They have sharp spines on their back for defense and are nocturnal, feeding primarily on insects. Lowland Streaked Tenrecs are social animals and can often be found in groups.

Fun Fact: Lowland Streaked Tenrecs have the unique ability to roll up into a ball for protection, similar to a hedgehog. They also communicate with each other using high-pitched vocalizations and can detect prey through echolocation.

Link to Google pictures

Luzon bleeding-heart

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Columbiformes
• Family: Columbidae
• Genus: Gallicolumba
• Species: G. luzonica

Short Description: The Luzon Bleeding-heart is a species of dove that is endemic to the Philippines. They are named for the distinctive patch of red feathers on their chest, which resembles a bleeding wound. They have a brownish-gray body with a blue-gray head and a white belly. Luzon Bleeding-hearts are typically around 9-10 inches (23-25 cm) in length and are found in lowland rainforests.

Fun Fact: Male Luzon Bleeding-hearts use a unique courtship display to attract females. They puff out their chest feathers to accentuate the red patch, then strut around and coo to impress the female. After mating, both parents take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the young.

Link to Google pictures

Lycra crab

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Subphylum: Crustacea
• Class: Malacostraca
• Order: Decapoda
• Family: Xanthidae
• Genus: Lybia

Short Description: The Lybia crab, also known as the boxer crab or pom-pom crab, is a small species of crab found in the Indo-Pacific region. They have two small anemones attached to their claws, which they use for defense and to catch food. Lybia crabs have a reddish-brown carapace and legs, with white and black spots on their claws. They typically reach a length of 0.5-1 inch (1.5-2.5 cm).

Fun Fact: Lybia crabs are the only known species of crab that actively seek out and pick up anemones to use for defense. They are also known for their unusual walking behavior, where they walk on their hind legs while holding their anemones in front of them.

Link to Google pictures

Lyrebird

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Aves
• Order: Passeriformes
• Family: Menuridae
• Genus: Menura

Short Description: Lyrebirds are ground-dwelling birds that are native to Australia. They are known for their unique ability to mimic sounds and vocalizations from their environment, including the calls of other birds, animals, and even human-made sounds like car alarms. Lyrebirds have a distinctive appearance, with long, elegant tail feathers that resemble the shape of a lyre or harp. They are brown in color with intricate patterning on their feathers.

Fun Fact: Lyrebirds are renowned for their ability to mimic sounds, and are considered to be among the most accomplished mimics in the animal kingdom. In addition to mimicking other birds and animals, they can also replicate the sound of chainsaws, camera shutters, and even human speech. This remarkable talent has made them the subject of many legends and stories in Australian culture.

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Lynx spider

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Arthropoda
• Class: Arachnida
• Order: Araneae
• Family: Oxyopidae
• Genus: Peucetia

Short Description: Lynx spiders are a group of small to medium-sized spiders that are found in many parts of the world. They are named after the lynx, a wild cat that shares their keen vision and stealthy hunting skills. Lynx spiders have long, slender legs and a relatively large head and thorax. They are known for their ability to jump and for their distinctive eye arrangement, which gives them excellent depth perception.

Fun Fact: Lynx spiders are ambush predators that rely on their excellent vision and jumping ability to capture prey. They are often found on flowers and other vegetation, where they lie in wait for insects to come within striking range. Some species of lynx spider are known to be able to change color to match their surroundings, which helps them to remain hidden from potential prey.

Leaf-tailed gecko

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Gekkonidae
• Genus: Uroplatus

Short Description: Leaf-tailed geckos, also known as flat-tailed geckos or Uroplatus, are a group of geckos native to Madagascar. They are named for their leaf-like tails, which they use for camouflage among foliage. They have a flattened body shape, large eyes, and distinctive skin patterns, often resembling bark or moss. Leaf-tailed geckos are nocturnal and feed on insects.

Fun Fact: Leaf-tailed geckos are master of camouflage and can blend in perfectly with their surroundings, making them difficult to spot in the wild. They can also shed their tail as a defense mechanism when attacked, allowing them to escape from predators. Some species of leaf-tailed geckos are endangered due to habitat loss and the pet trade.

Link to Google pictures

Lemon shark

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Chondrichthyes
• Order: Carcharhiniformes
• Family: Carcharhinidae
• Genus: Negaprion

Short Description: The lemon shark is a species of shark found in the subtropical and tropical waters of the western Atlantic Ocean. They have a yellowish-brown to grayish-brown color, which gives them their name. Lemon sharks can grow up to 11 feet in length and weigh up to 550 pounds. They are known for their intelligence and can be trained to perform tasks. Lemon sharks are carnivorous and feed on fish, crustaceans, and other sharks.

Fun Fact: Lemon sharks are known for their social behavior and often form groups or schools. They are also one of the few shark species that can tolerate and survive in freshwater environments. Lemon sharks are not considered dangerous to humans, but they can become aggressive when provoked or threatened.

Link to Google pictures

Leopard seal

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Carnivora
• Family: Phocidae
• Genus: Hydrurga

Short Description: The leopard seal is a large, predatory seal species that inhabits the cold waters surrounding Antarctica. They have a distinctive pattern of spots that resembles the fur of a leopard, hence their name. Leopard seals can grow up to 12 feet in length and weigh up to 1300 pounds. They are one of the top predators in their ecosystem and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, krill, penguins, and other seals.

Fun Fact: Leopard seals are known for their vocalizations, which range from low grunts to loud roars. They use their vocalizations to communicate with each other and to attract mates. Leopard seals are also known for their playful behavior and are known to interact with divers and swimmers who enter their territory.

Link to Google pictures

Little brown bat

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Chiroptera
• Family: Vespertilionidae
• Genus: Myotis

Short Description: The little brown bat is a small species of bat that is native to North America. They have brown fur and are about 3-4 inches long with a wingspan of about 9-11 inches. Little brown bats are nocturnal and feed primarily on insects, using echolocation to locate their prey. They are also known for their ability to hibernate during the winter months.

Fun Fact: Little brown bats are considered to be one of the most important species of bats in North America, as they are important pollinators and help to control insect populations. Unfortunately, they are also facing a significant decline in population due to a fungal disease known as white-nose syndrome, which has killed millions of bats in recent years.

Link to Google pictures

Long-beaked echidna

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Monotremata
• Family: Tachyglossidae
• Genus: Zaglossus
• Species: Z. bruijni

Short Description: The long-beaked echidna is a species of monotreme, a type of mammal that lays eggs instead of giving birth to live young. They are native to the forests and grasslands of New Guinea and are known for their unique appearance, which includes a long snout and spiny coat. Long-beaked echidnas are also capable of digging, which they use to create burrows for shelter.

Fun Fact: Long-beaked echidnas are one of only three species of echidnas, along with the short-beaked echidna and the Western long-beaked echidna. They are considered to be a vulnerable species, primarily due to habitat loss and hunting by humans.

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Long-billed curlew

Taxonomy: The Long-billed curlew is a large shorebird in the family Scolopacidae. Its scientific name is Numenius americanus.

Short Description: The Long-billed curlew is a large, mottled brown bird with a distinctive, long, curved bill that can reach up to 8.5 inches (22 cm) in length. They have a wingspan of about 35-40 inches (89-102 cm) and stand around 20-25 inches (51-64 cm) tall. They are found in grasslands, wetlands, and on sandy beaches throughout western North America, from Canada to Mexico.

Fun Fact: The Long-billed curlew has the longest bill of any shorebird in North America. They use their bills to probe deep into the soil for invertebrates, such as worms and crustaceans, to eat.

Link to Google Pictures

Lampshell

Taxonomy: Lampshells belong to the phylum Brachiopoda, which means “arm-foot” in Greek. There are over 300 species of lampshells.

Short description: Lampshells are marine animals that have a hinged shell made of two valves. They are sessile, meaning they attach themselves to a surface and do not move around. Lampshells have a lophophore, which is a feeding structure that is shaped like a ring or a horseshoe. They filter feed by extending their lophophore out of the shell and into the water to capture plankton.

Fun fact: Lampshells are some of the oldest living animals in the world, with fossil evidence dating back to the early Cambrian period over 500 million years ago. They have survived several mass extinctions and continue to thrive in oceans all around the world.

Link to Google pictures

Long-nosed armadillo

Taxonomy: The long-nosed armadillo, also known as the silky armadillo, belongs to the genus Dasypus and the family Dasypodidae.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Cingulata
• Family: Dasypodidae
• Genus: Dasypus
• Species: D. hybridus

Short description: The long-nosed armadillo is a small armadillo species with a long, pointed snout, large ears, and a dense, silky fur that ranges in color from brown to gray. It has powerful front claws that it uses for digging and excavating food. This species typically weighs between 1 and 1.5 kg and has a total length of around 40 to 50 cm.

Fun fact: The long-nosed armadillo is the only armadillo species known to be active during the day, spending most of its time foraging for insects and other invertebrates. It also has a unique defense mechanism where it will roll up into a tight ball and emit a strong odor if threatened.

Link to Google pictures

Lancehead

The Lancehead is a venomous pit viper snake found in South America.

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Reptilia
• Order: Squamata
• Family: Viperidae
• Genus: Bothrops

Short description: The Lancehead is a highly venomous snake found in South America, particularly in Brazil, Argentina, and Uruguay. They are also known as jararaca or simply pit vipers. They have a broad, triangular head with a distinctive, pointed snout. Their coloration can vary from gray to brown, and they have a series of dark, diamond-shaped markings along their backs.

Fun fact: The Lancehead is responsible for the majority of snakebite fatalities in South America, due to its potent venom and aggressive behavior.

Link to Google pictures

Long-billed dowitcher

Taxonomy: The Long-billed dowitcher (Limnodromus scolopaceus) is a medium-sized shorebird in the sandpiper family Scolopacidae.

Short description: The Long-billed dowitcher is a long-legged shorebird with a long, straight bill. It has a brownish-gray body with darker feathers on its back and wings. During breeding season, males develop a rich chestnut coloration on their underparts.

Fun fact: The Long-billed dowitcher has one of the longest bills of any shorebird, measuring up to 8 cm (3 in) in length. It uses its bill to probe deep into mudflats and marshes in search of invertebrates.

Link to Google pictures

Lappet-faced vulture

Taxonomy: The Lappet-faced vulture (Torgos tracheliotos) belongs to the Accipitridae family, which includes eagles, hawks, and kites.

Short description: The Lappet-faced vulture is a large bird of prey found in Africa. It has a distinctive wrinkled red face and a black and white feathered body. They have a wingspan of up to 2.8 meters and are known for their powerful beaks and talons.

Fun fact: Lappet-faced vultures are known for their exceptional eyesight and sense of smell. They are often the first scavengers to arrive at a carcass and can locate it from a great distance.

Link to Google pictures

Leaf-nosed bat

Taxonomy: The leaf-nosed bat is a group of bats belonging to the family Phyllostomidae, which includes over 200 species of New World leaf-nosed bats.

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Chiroptera
• Superfamily: Noctilionoidea
• Family: Phyllostomidae

Short description: Leaf-nosed bats are characterized by a distinctive noseleaf, which is a fleshy protuberance on the snout. The noseleaf varies in size and shape among different species and is used for echolocation, communication, and in some cases, for capturing prey. Leaf-nosed bats have a broad range of diets, feeding on insects, fruits, nectar, and even small vertebrates.

Fun fact: Some species of leaf-nosed bats have developed an unusual strategy for capturing prey. By emitting low-frequency calls, they can jam the echolocation of their prey, making it difficult for them to locate the bat. This allows the bat to swoop in and capture the prey without detection.

Link to Google pictures

Lemming

Taxonomy:

• Kingdom: Animalia
• Phylum: Chordata
• Class: Mammalia
• Order: Rodentia
• Family: Cricetidae
• Subfamily: Arvicolinae

Short description: Lemmings are small rodents that inhabit the Arctic tundra and other polar regions. They are known for their mass migrations, which occur every three to four years, during which large groups of lemmings will travel great distances in search of food and new territory.

Fun fact: Lemmings have very high reproductive rates and can breed year-round in the Arctic, which allows them to quickly bounce back from population declines.

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We covered just a small piece of a wide variety of animals that start with L. From Llama to leaf nosed bat. I hope you enjoyed the list.

Read further about animals that start with I, animals that start with C, animals that start with D and more…