Yahoo Lifestyle Discover 99 Unexpected Animals That Start With 'Q'
Coming up with animals that start with "Q" off the top of your head can be surprisingly difficult. In fact, most people find it challenging to recall more than a handful of species that begin with the letter “Q,” especially when compared to the abundance of names that start with other letters of the alphabet. However, what if we told you that we rounded up 99 creatures that fall into that category? It might be hard to believe, but it’s true!
When you check out our list, you’ll feel as if this quirky letter has its own secret zoo, because most of these cute critters aren’t ones you hear about every day. Instead, they are a bit more mysterious and range from unique to exotic species. However, that’s just part of the fun and an example of how the letter “Q” brings a cool twist to the animal kingdom.
So what are you waiting for? Take a few minutes to marvel at the rich diversity of these 100 animals that start with the letter “Q.” We even included fun facts about each one (and some pictures!). That way you can really get to know these often forgotten about Q-wonders of the wild. Because even though they are lesser-known, they are just as interesting and important.
Related: The Ultimate List: 101 Animals That Start With ‘A’
99 Animals That Start With “Q”
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1. Quail
Quail are small, ground-dwelling birds commonly found in grassy fields, brushlands and woodlands across Europe, Asia and North America. They are known for their distinctive, cheerful calls and intricate feather patterns.
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2. Quokka
You can’t talk about “Q” named animals without mentioning this creature! If you’re ever in Australia, particularly on Rottnest Island, you’ll most likely see one of these cuties.They have become popular due to their friendly demeanor and adorable smiles. In fact, they have a reputation as "the world's happiest animal” and will often even pose for selfies with tourists.
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3. Quoll
Native to Australia and New Guinea, these adorable animals are primarily nocturnal. Most people don’t know this, but even though they are cute, they have the second strongest bite of any predatory mammal in the world, aside from Australia’s Tasmanian Devil.
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4. Quetzal
Say hello to this colorful bird native to the forests of Central America, including countries like Guatemala and Costa Rica. Besides being recognized for its vibrant plumage and long, iridescent tail feathers, it also represents freedom and beauty in various cultures.
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5. Qinling Panda
Have you heard of this type of panda before? It can be distinguished by its smaller size and lighter-colored fur compared to the more widely known Giant Panda. They call Qinling Mountains home, which is located in central China.
Related: 101 Animals That Start With 'S' for Your Next Trivia Night
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6. Queensland Heeler
It’s true, this is also called an Australian Cattle Dog. This breed is renowned for its herding skills and high energy, often used in cattle ranching.
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7. Quince Monitor
In case you didn’t know, this is a rare and elusive lizard native to Australia, particularly the northern parts of the country. It has a bright yellow head and is an impressive size, growing to be anywhere from three to four feet in length.
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8. Queensland Seahorse
These are also known as Hippocampus Queenslandicus. One fun fact about these creatures is that they are very spiny when they are juvenile, however, they become smooth as adults.
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9. Quillback Rockfish
This species can be found swimming along the rocky reefs and kelp forests of the northeastern Pacific Ocean, from Alaska to California. It has a long, spiny dorsal fin and is brightly colored.
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10. Quaker Parrot
How can you not love these tropical birds? They are green with teal-colored tails and live in Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil and Paraguay. They are highly intelligent and can even mimic human speech and sounds.
Related: 29 Unique Animals That Start With the Letter ‘X’
11. Quince Butterfly
This pretty butterfly is also called the Quince White. It is a stunning butterfly found in parts of South and Central America that has delicate, white wings with subtle black and orange markings.
12. Quercus Wasp
This insect primarily inhabits oak forests and woodlands. What sets them apart is their unique relationship with oak trees, as the galls they create serve as both a protective nursery for their larvae and a means to promote the tree's natural defense mechanisms.
13. Qinghai Zhenxin Rabbit
This rabbit is native to the rugged highlands of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China. It is adapted to survive in the harsh, cold environments of this region and has thick, insulating fur that helps it endure severe temperatures and camouflage effectively.
14. Queen Snake
Within the United States is this regal reptile. It can range in color from olive green to brown and lives in slow-moving streams, rivers and wetlands.
15. Queensland Triangular Batfish
These large underwater creatures have a creepy look as their tough skin is completely covered by conical bucklers. They can be found swimming in the Atlantic Ocean if you want to try to see one in person.
16. Queensland Trumpeter
Not sure what this is? It’s a tiny fish around 7.5 centimeters found in Queensland, Australia, which is where its name comes from. They mostly live in deep bay areas there.
17. Quiver Tree Frog
In southern Africa is where you’ll find this frog. It often resides in the dense foliage of quiver trees and other desert vegetation. It is particularly special for its ability to survive extreme dehydration by entering a state of dormancy, allowing it to withstand long periods without water.
18. Queensland Tree Kangaroo
Australia is where Tree Kangaroos live. They spend most of their lives in the nation’s dense forest habitats. Their powerful limbs and prehensile tail enable them to navigate the canopy with ease and precision.
19. Quillfish
Found in the coastal waters and coral reefs of the Indo-Pacific region, this fish is known for its distinctive body that’s covered in sharp, needle-like spines. The spines not only look scary, but they provide defense against predators, while the fish's vibrant coloration also keeps it safe as it can camouflage among the reef.
20. Quail Dove
The rainforests of Central and South America are home to these rusty-colored birds. They prefer to walk on the ground opposed to flying and eat mainly seeds and fruit.
Related: 25 of the Longest-Living Animals on the Planet—We’re Talking 11,000 Years or More!
21. Queensland Shark
Did you know that this species is sometimes referred to as the Graceful Shark? It can be found in water from the Gulf of Aden to northern Australia and can grow to be a little over five feet long. One feature that makes it stand out is the black tips on its fins.
22. Quebec Green Turtle
There’s a good chance you’ll spot one of these in the coastal waters of Quebec, Canada. They spend a lot of time in the water traveling long distances between feeding grounds and nesting sites and are able to adapt more easily to the colder northern waters compared to other green turtles, which typically prefer warmer climates.
23. Queen Parrotfish
This fish is known for its multicolored scales and distinctive beak-like mouth. If you want to see one, they are mainly located in the coral reefs and shallow waters of the Western Atlantic Ocean, including the Caribbean and parts of the Bahamas.
24. Quill-insect
These insects have a quill-like exoskeleton that provides exceptional camouflage among fallen leaves and branches. They can be found in tropical areas, including countries like Brazil, Costa Rica, Madagascar and New Guinea.
25. Quagga Cat Shark
If you want to find one of these sharks, search in reefs and underwater caves of the Indian and South Pacific Oceans. There, you’ll find the striped shark swimming about. Their unique zebra- like pattern not only provides camouflage against predators, but it also plays a role in mating displays.
26. Queen Butterfly
These butterflies look similar to Monarchs and are often mistaken for them. They can be seen fluttering around in North and South America.
27. Queen Loach
Talk about a cute fish! These are also sometimes called Queen Botias. They are brightly colored and have stripes all over their body.
28. Quasiprey Fish
This fish lives in the deep, cold waters of the Southern Ocean. One thing that sets it apart is that it can emit light from specialized cells along its body, creating a glowing display that aids in communication and hunting in its pitch-black environment.
29. Queensland Lungfish
This ancient fish can be found in the rivers and freshwater lakes of Australia. What makes it special is that it has the ability to breathe air as well as extract oxygen from water.
30. Quivering Tetra
If you’ve never heard of this animal, they live in the slow-moving rivers and floodplains of the Amazon Basin. They are known for their quivering motion, coupled with their vibrant, iridescent scales, which helps them scare off predators.
31. Quail Finch
The Quail Finch, native to Australia, lives in grasslands and open woodlands. It dawns bright colors and has a cheerful call. You’ll usually see them in lively groups foraging and playing together.
32. Quasi-beetle
These small, colorful insects have shiny, iridescent wings that can change color in the light. Their body is rounded with black and gold patterns that make it stand out among leaves and flowers. They live in tropical climates and can be found in places like Malaysia and Thailand.
33. Quango Ant
Unlike other ants, this one produces a loud, buzzing sound to warn off predators.This tiny ant lives in the rainforests of Madagascar and has a bright red body with distinctive black stripes.
34. Queensland Deepwater Skate
No, these fish don’t roller-skate throughout the oceans. However, they do gracefully swim along the ocean floor. While they look like stingrays, they lack the stingy ability that they have.
35. Quadrant Gecko
These bright orange and black patterned geckos call the deserts of Australia home. One thing that makes them stand out, is that they can change color slightly to blend in with their surroundings.
36. Quenther Rat
Have you ever heard of this type of rat? It’s a medium-sized rodent with sleek, dark brown fur and large eyes. It’s also a great climber, which comes in handy when looking for food in the forest canopy of Madagascar.
37. Quiver Crab
The shallow coastal waters of the Caribbean are where these creatures live. They can be hard to spot because they are small, but they are beautiful with their iridescent shells. Sometimes they even bury themselves in the sand, so they are invisible to predators.
38. Quipus Snake
Within Peru you’ll find this geometric-pattern snake. Its printed scales not only make it stand it, but they also help it blend into its desert habitat.
39. Queensland Pygmy Goby
You might know this fish as a Queensland Dwarf Goby. It’s a tiny creature native to Australian waters. It blends in with the sand thanks to its reddish scales and seven dorsal fins, making it hard to spot.
40. Qingqian Eagle
While this type of eagle isn’t in the United States, it can be found in China. They typically live in the mountainous regions there and have a wingspan ranging from five to six feet.
41. Queen Angelfish
These radiant fish are blue and yellow in color. They can be found swimming within coral reefs in the Western Atlantic Ocean. They get their name due to the fact that they have a crown-like marking on their forehead.
42. Queensland Koala
The Queensland Koala inhabits the eucalyptus forests of Queensland, Australia, where it primarily feeds on eucalyptus leaves. This subspecies is distinguished by its lighter-colored fur compared to other koalas.
43. Quiver Ant
If these ants get scared, they quiver, which is how they got their name. You can find them in Central and South America.
44. Quassia Wasps
These wasps have a special relationship with Quassia trees as they lay their eggs in their wood, which allows their larvae to feed on the tree’s tissue. You can come across these insects in South America.
45. Quillback Catfish
These fish are easy to identify thanks to their spiny, quill-like fins that give it a unique appearance. They also help protect them from predators in North America, which is where they call home.
46. Quoted Spider
Within the lush forests of Southeast Asia is where these spiders live. Unlike other spiders who spin normal webs, these spin webs that look like intricate, quote-like patterns. Pretty cool, right?
47. Quahog
Also known as a hard clam, these thrive along the eastern coast of North America, from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. If you come across one, you’ll immediately notice that it has a really thick shell.
48. Quercus Beetle
What does Europe and North America have in common? This specific type of beetle lives there. They can be found among oak trees and are known for helping decompose oak wood and leaves.
49. Quetzalcoatlus Northropi
Believe it or not, this used to be one of the largest flying animals on the planet, estimated to have weighed around 440 to 550 pounds. Though extinct now, it was a pterosaur, which is a type of flying reptile, not a dinosaur.
50. Quelea
If you’ve seen one of these birds before, it’s because they are one of the most abundant wild bird species on Earth. They primarily eat seeds and have brown feathers and a red beak.
51. Quelea Erythrops
Also known as the black-winged Quelea, this cute bird lives in different areas of Africa. The males have bolder feathers and a reddish-pink face, which contrasts with its brown and black body.
52. Queensland Frogfish
No, this fish isn’t related to a frog. It lives in the deep waters around northern Queensland in Australia and has large pectoral fins.
53. Queen Bee
Within honeybee colonies, you’ll find the Queen Bee. They play a crucial role as they are responsible for laying eggs and maintaining the hive's population.
54. Qing Lou
If you’re a dog lover, you may have heard of this pup. This is a rare and lesser-known breed, primarily recognized in China, known for its distinctive appearance and characteristics.
Related: 15 of the Fastest Animals in the World (Reaching Speeds up to 240 MPH!)
55. Quickhatch
This is a lesser-known fish found in the freshwater rivers and lakes of the Amazon Basin in South America. One fun fact about this creature is that it can hatch and grow in response to changing water conditions, a remarkable adaptation that helps it survive in the dynamic environment it calls home.
56. Queen Danio
This freshwater tropical fish can be found in places like India, Myanmar, Thailand, northwest Malaya and the Mekong River basin. They are quite tiny when fully grown and are just about three inches in length.
57. Queen Triggerfish
Sometimes called "the old wife," this oval-shaped fish is a reef-dwelling species found throughout the Atlantic Ocean. Its vibrant colors make it a beautiful fish to come across while swimming.
58. Queensland Groper
The Queensland Groper is one of the largest grouper species, with adults typically reaching lengths of eight feet and weighing around 880 pounds. Some individuals can grow even larger. Due to their size, this Australian fish is also called a Giant Grouper.
59. Quakerfish
Also known as a Stripetail Tilefish, these underwater creatures live in open, sand-and-rubble substrates. They like to travel in pairs, so you won’t normally see one alone.
60. Queen Snapper
Along the coasts of Australia is where these popular saltwater fish swim. They have vivid red coloring that extends from their dorsal fins to their bellies, gradually fading to a pale pink on their undersides.
61. Queensland Sawfish
This distinctive species of sawfish can be found in the coastal waters and river systems of northern Australia. You’ll know when you see one as it has an elongated, saw-like rostrum, which is lined with sharp teeth.
62. Queen Alexandra's Birdwing
This large butterfly has an impressive wingspan of 12 inches and a stunning, colorful appearance. It is the largest butterfly in the world and can be found flying around in Papua New Guinea.
63. Qianzhousaurus
Attention dinosaur lovers, this is a genus of theropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period, discovered in what is now China. When it was alive, it was a large, predatory dinosaur closely related to ceratopsians, like theTriceratops.
64. Question Mark Butterfly
How fun is this North American butterfly’s name? This particular butterfly is black and orange in color and has small silverish-white marks that look like question marks on the underside of its hindwings.
65. Quench Bug
This insect can absorb and conserve every drop of moisture from its environment, enabling it to endure the harshest of dry spells. You can find them in deserts of southwestern North America.
66. Quantula Striata
Not sure what this is? It’s a snail that is also called a Dyakia Striata. You can find them in Asia, Fiji, Singapore and other warm-weather countries.
67. Qianlabeo Striatus
This freshwater, striped fish is also known as a Striped Barb. They can be seen swimming in rivers and streams of Southeast Asia.
68. Quoy’s Garfish
These are tiny, freshwater fish in Australia. They have slender, elongated bodies and sharp, pointed fins that help them swim fast through the water.
69. Queensland Cusk
These saltwater creatures hangout near the Coral Sea Islands of Papua New Guinea and Queensland, Australia. They are super small tropical species that are mostly yellow in color, but also can be red, orange or brown.
70. Qiupanykus
This small theropod dinosaur is from the Late Cretaceous period. It had long, slender legs and a single large claw on each hand, which may have been used for digging or foraging.
71. Quitobaquito Pupfish
Don’t let this name trick you, it’s not related to a puppy dog. Instead, it’s actually an endangered fish found only in the Quitobaquito Springs in southern Arizona. A fun fact about this fish is that it can survive in water temperatures that range from very warm to relatively cool.
72. Queensland Mouthbrooder
Did you know this is also known as the Signifer Rainbowfish? You can find it in Australia and the female fish actually carry their fertilized eggs and young fish in their mouth until they are ready to survive on their own.
73. Quebracho Crested Tinamou
If you’re in Argentina, Bolivia or Paraguay, you might see these feathery creatures. The birds are brown in color and almost look as if they have tiny black polka dots on their feathers.
74. Queensland Stinkfish
Have you heard of this animal? It’s a dragonet species that inhabits the coasts of northwestern Australia, Papua New Guinea and Melanesia. Unlike most fish, these can live deep in the ocean at depths of 124–132 meters.
75. Quartz Lizard
This African lizard is anywhere from six to eight inches long. It gets its names because its scales are iridescent looking and resemble quartz crystals.
76. Queensland Yellowtail Angelfish
This fish is stunning to see in person. You can find this blue-gray fish with yellow spots swimming near coral near Australia.
77. Quagga Goby
In the Mediterranean Sea and the Adriatic Sea is where these fish swim. They usually feed at night as they are nocturnal.
78. Quinlin's Swallowtail
These beauties are butterflies mostly seen in the grasslands of England. They have yellow and black patterns and a wingspan of up to 93mm, making them Britain’s biggest species of butterfly.
79. Quill Pig
Did you know this is also another name for a porcupine? It is a rodent characterized by its sharp, protective quills, which are actually made of Keratin—a substance also found in human hair and fingernails. You can find them in regions across the Americas and Africa.
80. Quadratus Yangi
These are freshwater fish that call China home. They have streamlined bodies and a series of bony plates along their sides and they like to travel in schools.
81. Quagga
Though extinct now, this was a unique subspecies of zebra with a striking appearance, featuring a blend of zebra-like stripes on its front half and a solid colored backend. It was native to South Africa and was sadly driven to extinction in the late 19th century mainly due to hunting.
82. Quetzal Cichlid
These fish are native to the Lake Petén system. Though they are freshwater fish, they are super colorful, as if they were saltwater fish.
83. Queen Coris
Say hello to these cute neon rainbows with black spots. Their coloring can change as they go from baby fish to adult fish and they can be found in bodies of water near Africa.
84. Quercus Moth
These moths have camouflage coloration that enables them to blend seamlessly in with oak bark and leaves. They can be found in North America and also parts of Europe.
85. Queensland-Kongemakrel
Known for their fast-swimming speed and predatory nature, these fish are unstoppable as they swim about in schools. They live in oceans around Papua New Guinea and Australia and usually feed on smaller fish and squid.
86. Quinine Snake
Also called the Quinine Viper, this snake slithers through tropical rainforests and savannas of Central and West Africa. It is renowned for its potent venom and its distinctive coloration that provides camouflage among the leaves of its habitat.
87. Queensland Halibut
Sometimes these fish are referred to as Indian Halibut or Adalah. You might be scared if you see one of these fish underwater because they have a large mouth filled with sharp teeth. You can find them in the Red Sea all the way to Australia.
88. Querimana Silverside
The Querimana Silverside, AKA the Atlantic Silverside, can be found in bodies of saltwater along the coasts of the United States. They are toothless fish with large eyes and grow no bigger than six inches.
89. Quillfin Blenny
Inhabiting the shallow seagrass and coral reefs, are these fish. They have a rocky looking appearance, making them super-difficult to spot in the water.
90. Quasimodo Mouse
These mice have very large ears, a short and round body. They navigate the dark forest floors in Madagascar using their highly developed sense of hearing, which helps them find food and avoid predators.
91. Quilon Electric Ray
You might also know these fish as Brazilian Electric Rays. They have a flattened, disc-shaped body and can range from a light tan to a darker brownish hue. They have electrogenic organs in their tail that allows them to send electric shocks, which they use for defense and to stun prey.
92. Queensland Toadfish
If you’re in Australia, look out for these fish. They like to spend time in shallow coastal waters and have leopard-like spots covering their body.
93. Quinault Silverspot Butterfly
While not super common, this butterfly lives in the Pacific Northwest of the United States. It has orange patterned wings and is a member of the larger family of brush-footed butterflies.
94. Queensland School Mackerel
You can spot these sleek swimmers in the warm coastal waters of southern Papua New Guinea as well as from Shark Bay to Sydney, Australia. They are known for swimming in large groups to avoid predators.
95. Qijianglong
Do you know what this animal is? It’s genus of sauropod dinosaur from the Late Cretaceous period. It was a large, herbivorous dinosaur, with a long neck estimated to have reached up to 12 meters (about 40 feet) in length.
96. Quadratus Nelsoni
If you’ve ever heard of a Caribbean Hagfish, this is the same thing! What makes it unique is that it has an eel-like appearance and is scaleless. You can find them hanging out in Caribbean waters.
97. Queensland Mountain Trout
Encompassing southern Queensland in Australia are these fish. They swim up and down the entire eastern coastline and are a silvery color.
98. Quinchua Cavy
High-altitude isn’t a problem for this rodent as it lives in the grasslands and rocky slopes of the Andes in Peru. It has a thick, dense fur which insulates it from the cold weather so it stays nice and warm.
99. Queensland Blenny
Who knew this was a fish? It’s a type of combtooth blenny in the genus Ecsenius. They like to swim near coral reefs in the Pacific Ocean and can even be found in the Great Barrier Reef.
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