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”

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.