This article explores the world of animals whose names end with the letter D. Some examples are; the squid known for its intelligence, or the Dachshund, a breed of dog with short stubby legs. We’ll share some fun facts about each animal, where they can be found, their traits, and characteristics, and how they survive.
1. Squid
Scientific Name: Cephalopoda
Squids are marine cephalopods with elongated bodies, large eyes, and the ability to jet-propel through the water. They have eight arms and two longer tentacles for feeding, equipped with suction cups for catching prey.
Found in oceans around the world, from shallow coastal areas to the deep sea, squid display behaviors such as camouflage, complex communication via skin color changes, and, in some species, bioluminescence.
They are key players in marine food webs, acting as both predators and prey for larger marine animals. Notable species include the Giant squid (Architeuthis dux), recognized for its enormous size, and the Colossal squid (Mesonychoteuthis hamiltoni), known for having the largest eyes in the animal kingdom.
2. Greyhound
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
The Greyhound is a breed of dog known for its slim build, deep chest, and long, powerful legs, which enable it to reach impressive speeds, making it one of the fastest dog breeds. Characterized by their short coat, which comes in a variety of colors, Greyhounds have a gentle and intelligent demeanor. They are known for their unique “double-suspension gallop” that allows them to cover ground quickly.
Originally bred for hunting and racing, Greyhounds today are also popular as pets due to their calm and friendly nature. Despite their athletic ability, they are surprisingly good indoor dogs, often described as “couch potatoes.” They adapt well to family life and enjoy the company of humans and other dogs. Greyhounds are found worldwide, thriving in homes as beloved pets.
3. Dachshund
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
The Dachshund, known for its long body and short legs, is a breed full of personality and spunk. Originally bred in Germany to hunt badgers, their distinctive shape allows them to dig into burrows and fight their prey.
Dachshunds come in two sizes, standard and miniature, and can have smooth, wire-haired, or longhaired coats in a variety of colors. These dogs are known for their loyal nature, making them excellent companions, though they can be stubborn.
Their playful yet courageous demeanor often surprises those unfamiliar with the breed. Despite their small size, Dachshunds have a loud bark and are alert watchdogs. Today, they are popular pets worldwide, adored for their unique appearance and charming characteristics.
4. Bloodhound
Scientific Name: Canis lupus familiaris
The Bloodhound is a large breed of dog known for its exceptional sense of smell, which is considered one of the best among all dog breeds. They have long, droopy ears and loose, wrinkled skin. Bloodhounds are friendly, gentle, and affectionate, making them excellent family pets.
They are often used in tracking and search-and-rescue operations due to their keen ability to follow scents over long distances. Originating from Belgium, they are distributed worldwide and adapt well to various climates. Bloodhounds require regular exercise and mental stimulation to prevent boredom.
5. African tree toad
Scientific Name: Nectophryne afra
The African tree toad is a small amphibian with a flattened body and large eyes. They have sticky pads on their toes that help them climb trees and other vegetation. African tree toads are primarily nocturnal and spend their days hiding in foliage to avoid predators. They are found in sub-Saharan Africa, particularly in tropical rainforests and moist habitats.
These toads feed on insects and other small invertebrates. During the breeding season, males produce loud calls to attract females. Interestingly, African tree toads can change color to match their surroundings, providing camouflage against predators.
6. Great Basin collared lizard
Scientific Name: Crotaphytus bicinctores
The Great basin collared lizard is a reptile known for its vibrant coloration and distinctive collar markings. They have a slender body, long tail, and prominent head. These lizards are found in the Great Basin region of North America, inhabiting rocky desert areas with sparse vegetation.
Great basin collared lizards are diurnal and agile hunters, preying on insects and small vertebrates. They are known for their ability to run quickly and bask in the sun to regulate their body temperature. Males display territorial behavior and may engage in ritualized combat during the breeding season.
7. Texas horned lizard
Scientific Name: Phrynosoma cornutum
The Texas horned lizard is a reptile known for its flattened body and distinctive pointed scales on its head and body. They have a wide distribution across Texas and surrounding states, inhabiting arid regions with sandy or rocky soil.
Texas horned lizards primarily feed on ants and are known for their ability to shoot blood from their eyes as a defense mechanism against predators.
They are solitary creatures and spend much of their time basking in the sun to regulate their body temperature. During the breeding season, males may display territorial behavior.
8. Desert spiny lizard
Scientific Name: Sceloporus magister
The Desert spiny lizard is a reptile known for its spiny scales and long tail. They are found in the desert regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, inhabiting rocky outcrops and arid landscapes. Desert spiny lizards are primarily insectivores, feeding on a variety of insects and small invertebrates.
They are agile climbers and often bask in the sun on rocks or branches to regulate their body temperature. These lizards can change color to match their surroundings, providing camouflage against predators.
9. Eastern fence lizard
Scientific Name: Sceloporus undulatus
The Eastern fence lizard is a reptile known for its spiny scales and distinctive patterns. They are commonly found throughout the eastern United States, inhabiting a variety of habitats including forests, fields, and rocky areas.
Eastern fence lizards are primarily insectivores, feeding on small insects and spiders. They are adept climbers and can often be seen basking on fence posts or tree trunks.
These lizards can detach their tails when threatened by predators, allowing them to escape and regenerate a new tail over time. They play a significant role in controlling insect populations and are considered beneficial to the ecosystem. Despite their widespread distribution, Eastern fence lizards face threats from habitat loss and fragmentation.
10. Texas spiny lizard
Scientific Name: Sceloporus olivaceus
The Texas spiny lizard is a reptile known for its spiny scales and long tail. They are native to Texas and surrounding areas, inhabiting a variety of habitats including urban areas, grasslands, and scrublands. Texas spiny lizards are primarily insectivores, feeding on a variety of insects and small invertebrates.
The Texas spiny lizard is skilled at climbing and frequently sunbathes on rocks or branches to manage its body temperature. This species has the remarkable ability to alter its coloration, effectively blending with its environment to evade predators.
11. Eastern glass lizard
Scientific Name: Ophisaurus ventralis
The Eastern glass lizard is a legless lizard native to the southeastern United States, from Virginia to Florida, and west to Texas. Despite its snake-like appearance, it is distinguished from snakes by its eyelids and external ear openings.
Its name comes from its ability to “break” its tail as a defense mechanism against predators, a process known as autotomy, where the tail shatters like glass to allow the lizard to escape.
The tail eventually regrows, though it may be shorter and differently colored. This lizard has a long, slender body covered in smooth, shiny scales, with colors ranging from brown to green, often with yellowish or white underparts. The Eastern glass lizard inhabits grasslands, pine flatwoods, and coastal dunes, where it blends into the environment.
12. Ornate tree lizard
Scientific Name: Urosaurus ornatus
The Ornate tree lizard is a small, agile lizard known for its distinctive coloration and patterns, which can vary significantly from greens and browns to bright blues and oranges, especially in males during the breeding season.
This variability helps them blend into their surroundings, an advantage for both evading predators and surprising prey. Males often have bright blue patches on their bellies and throats, used to attract females and deter rivals.
These lizards are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects and spiders. Found across the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, the Ornate tree lizard inhabits a range of environments from deserts to forests, often seen basking on rocks, tree trunks, and fences.
They are adept climbers and will readily take to trees and bushes when threatened or while hunting. Their behavior includes head-bobbing and push-up displays, used for communication among their kind.
Patricia is a wildlife enthusiast that loves traveling and learning about wildlife all over North America and the world. Aside from being writer for Wildlife Informer, she’s an avid bird watcher as well as the owner of several pet reptiles. She enjoys visiting national parks and seeing new sights in her free time.