Welcome to animals that start with y.
Animals with names that begin with ‘Y’ may not be as numerous as other letters. But they do exist. Some of them are definitely around you. You’ll get to see a few animals you already know, and maybe some other new ones. So, you can sit back and enjoy the list. Let’s go.
Overview of animals that start with y
Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog
1. Yabby
The Yabby is a freshwater crayfish species that lives in many parts of Australia. You can also refer to it as the Cyan Yabby due to its bright blue color. Catching these animals is a popular activity in Australia.
Fun Fact: A Yabby can travel many kilometers across dry land.
2. Yak
These are relatively heavy animals that live in Tibet, China, and Central Asia. These hairy animals can withstand low temperatures and don’t have a problem living in places with low oxygen. Consequently, these features make them suitable for mountain peaks.
Fun Fact: Yaks find living in lower altitudes difficult, and due to their thick fur, mild temperatures give them heat fatigue.
3. Yellow Ground Squirrel
The Yellow Ground Squirrel is a large squirrel species common in many parts of Russia and Central Asia. Furthermore, these animals are at home in the sandy steppes and live on a diet of seeds, leaves, bulbs, and stems.
Fun Fact: Yellow Ground Squirrels hibernate but may also aestivate. Aestivation is basically hibernation but in the summer!
4. Yellow Mongoose
This is a species of mongoose that is prevalent in parts of Southern Africa. Also, these mongooses have yellow to reddish fur, with a long tail and lighter undersides.
Fun Fact: Some yellow mongoose can carry the rabies virus for years, without any symptoms but still infectious.
5. Yellow Sac Spider
The Yellow Sac Spider lives in many parts of America, with similar species in many other parts of the world. In addition, these spiders are nocturnal and build tiny web sacs to rest during the day.
Fun Fact: The Yellow Sac Spider does not catch prey with its webs; it actively hunts prey.
6. Yellow-eyed Penguin
This is the fourth largest penguin in the world, and it is native to New Zealand. Also, you can distinguish it by its yellow eyes and the yellow stripe that runs from one eye to the other behind its head.
Fun Fact: These are the rarest species of penguins on the planet.
7. Yellowfin Tuna
The long yellow fins that protrude from this tuna’s back and stomach make it very distinctive. It may weigh about 450 pounds and is the second most commonly eaten tuna species.
Fun Fact: Newly hatched Yellowfin tuna are almost microscopic.
8. Yeti Crab
This is a species of deep-sea crabs that live near hydrothermal vents. They got their name for the ‘hair’ on their arms, which they use to gather bacteria to eat.
Fun Fact: Yeti crabs stay on top of each other near hydrothermal vents for warmth; these mounds may have up to 700 crabs per square meter.
9. Yellow-winged Bat
The Yellow-winged bat is a species of false vampire bats found in Africa. These bats feed on insects and live in trees, cavities, and sometimes buildings.
Fun Fact: Yellow-winged bats usually have two roosts at any time.
10. Yuma Myotis
The Yuma Myotis is a species of vesper bats found in North America. It has a dull coat that is significantly lighter on the underside and an interfemoral membrane that aids its flight.
Fun Fact: The Yuma Myotis also uses its interfemoral membrane as a pouch to help it snag larger insects.
11. Yellow-throated Marten
The Yellow-throated Marten is the largest of the old world martens in existence. It has beautiful fur with a blend of white, yellow, brown, and black. To sum up, they are native to Asia.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated martens are omnivores, and their food may range from fruits to cats and small deer.
12. Yellowhammer
This species of bunting birds can be found in many parts of the world. The adult male Yellowhammer has bright yellow feathers on its head and undersides. Others have duller colors of the same pattern.
Fun Fact: Yellowhammer eggs have dark scribbles that look like someone has been writing on them with ink!
13. Yacare Caiman
The Yacare Caiman is a crocodilian that is native to the countries of Bolivia, Argentina, Paraguay, and Brazil. Humans hunted them heavily for their skin in the ’80s, but thanks to conservative restrictions, their numbers are increasing.
Fun Fact: The Yacare Caimans eat the shells of their young after they are hatched.
14. Yellow-footed Antechinus
You can find this tiny marsupial in Australia. Like most marsupials, it has a pouch, but it looks like a shrew.
Fun Fact: Yellow-footed Antechinus have a short life span of less than a year.
15. Yellowjacket
The Yellowjacket is an aggressive species of wasp that can be found anywhere humans reside. They have yellow and black stripes that make them look like Bees, but they aren’t.
Fun Fact: Since they feed on crop pests, yellowjackets benefit agriculture.
16. Yellow-backed Duiker
Another interesting member of the animals that start with y club. This is the most common type of duiker found in western and central Africa. These speedy animals are quick to bolt at the sign of a threat.
Fun Fact: Yellow-backed duikers have yellow hairs on their back that stand when they are threatened.
17. Yellow Anaconda
This is a snake species found in many regions of South America. It is one of the largest snakes in the world and has a habitat close to bodies of water.
Fun Fact: Yellow Anacondas are not venomous; so, they kill prey by squeezing them to death.
18. Yellow-eye Rockfish
The Yellow-eye Rockfish is a species of large fish that live in the eastern pacific. In addition, these fish change color as they age, from reddish to bright orange to pale yellow.
Fun Fact: Yellow-eye rockfish can live for up to 120 years.
19. Yungas Pygmy Owl
The Yungas Pygmy Owl is a species of owl found in Argentina, Bolivia, and Peru. Also, these owls have dark feathers and false eyes on their napes to trick attackers.
Fun Fact: Yungas Pygmy Owls can turn their necks up to 270 degrees like all owls.
20. Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog
These frogs are found in the parts of Venezuela, Brazil, and the eastern edges of Columbia. They are highly poisonous and noted for their yellow and black coloration.
Fun Fact: These frogs rely on eating certain insects for their poison. Therefore, without those, they’d become harmless.
Summary of animals starting with y
In conclusion, some of these animals that start with y are popular and can be found near you. You can look closely for them when you move around. You’ll be surprised at how many of them you see. Take a look at this interesting list of animals that start with u. Stay safe.
As a little kid, I fell in love with nature, wildlife, and animals. Living in the USA, South Africa, and Germany have me the opportunity to discover the world's Wildlife. My favorite animals are Mountain Gorillas, Siberian Tigers, and Great White Sharks.
I'm a certified PADI Open Water Diver and hold a Master of Science in Economics.
For any feedback please message [email protected]
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