Animals Start with Y – Best Animals Guide

Do you know any animals that start with the letter Y? If you’re not sure, this post is for you! We’ve compiled a list of 45 animals that start with the letter Y so that you can start learning about them. From Yabby to Yuma myotis, these creatures are sure to fascinate you!

Alphabetical List of Animals That Start with Y

Here is an alphabetical list of some of the world’s most amazing animals, starting with Y.

1. Yabby:

The Yabby is a freshwater crustacean species native to Australia.
It is a type of crayfish and is highly sought after for its delicious meat.
Yabbies are popular in culinary dishes and kept as pets in aquariums.

2. Yacare Caiman:

The Yacare Caiman, scientifically known as Caiman yacare, is a crocodilian species in South America.
It is known for its distinctive broad snout and is one of the smaller species of caimans.
Yacare caimans inhabit freshwater habitats like rivers and wetlands and feed on various prey.

3. Yak:

The Yak is a long-haired bovine species native to the Himalayan region of Asia.
It is well adapted to high altitudes and is often used as a pack animal by local communities.
Yaks are known for their thick fur, which provides insulation in cold environments, and their milk, a valuable nutrition source.

4. Yakka Skink:

The Yakka Skink, also known as the Three-toed Skink, is a lizard species native to Australia.
It is characterized by its small size, brown coloration, and three toes on each limb.
Yakka skinks are omnivorous, and their diet consists of insects, spiders, fruits, and other small vertebrates.

5. Yakuntian Laika:

The Yakuntian Laika is a dog native to the Sakha Republic in Russia.
It is a working dog breed known for its endurance and ability to withstand freezing temperatures.
Yakuntian Laikas are often used for hunting, herding, and sled pulling.

6. Yangtze Giant Softshell Turtle:

The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is a critically endangered native to China and Vietnam.
It is the most giant freshwater turtle in the world, with an average carapace length of 100 centimeters and a maximum weight of 100 kilograms (220 lb).
The Yangtze giant softshell turtle is a solitary animal only seen together during the breeding season.

7. Yarara:

The Yarara, also known as the South American bushmaster, is a venomous snake in South America.
It is one of the most giant venomous snakes in the region and is known for its potent neurotoxic venom.
Yararas are highly secretive and usually avoid human encounters.

8. Yearling:

A yearling is a young horse between one and two years old.
They are still growing and developing, and their bodies are not fully mature.
Yearlings are often playful and energetic and are still learning to interact with the world around them.

9. Yellow Anaconda:

The Yellow Anaconda, scientifically known as Eunectes notaeus, is a giant snake in South America.
It is one of the four species of anacondas known for its yellowish coloration and influential body.
Yellow Anacondas are semi-aquatic and can be found in swamps, marshes, and slow-moving rivers.

10. Yellow Aphids:

Yellow Aphids are small insects belonging to the Aphididae family.
They are known for their yellow or greenish-yellow coloration and soft bodies.
Yellow Aphids feed on plant sap and infest various plant species.

11. Yellow Cobra:

The Yellow Cobra, also known as the Indian Cobra, is a venomous snake in the Indian subcontinent.
It is known for its distinctive hood and ability to deliver potent venom.
Yellow cobras are shy snakes and will usually avoid humans.

12. Yellow Dot Guard Crab:

The Yellow Dot Guard Crab, scientifically known as Trapezia spp., is a type of symbiotic crab found in coral reefs.
It has a distinct yellow coloration with black dots and is known for its mutualistic relationship with certain coral species.
Yellow Dot Guard Crabs protect their host corals from predators and, in return, receive shelter and food.

13. Yellow Ground Squirrel:

The Yellow Ground Squirrel, also known as the Golden-mantled Ground Squirrel, is a small rodent species in North America.
Its yellowish-brown fur and a golden mantle stripe on its back characterize it.
The yellow ground squirrel has naked soles on the hind feet, excluding heels.

14. Yellow Lab:

Yellow labs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world.
It is one of the three recognized colors of Labrador Retrievers, with the other two being black and chocolate.
Yellow Labs are versatile working dogs often used as assistance, search and rescue, and family pets.

15. Yellow Mongoose:

The Yellow Mongoose, scientifically known as Cynictis penicillata, is a small carnivorous mammal native to southern Africa.
It is known for its yellowish-brown fur and ability to live in arid and semi-arid environments.
Yellow Mongooses are social animals that live in family groups and primarily feed on small vertebrates and insects.

16. Yellow Perch:

The Yellow Perch, scientifically known as Perca flavescens, is a freshwater fish species native to North America.
It is characterized by its yellowish coloration with vertical stripes and its spiny dorsal fin.
Yellow Perch are popular among anglers and are also of ecological importance as prey for larger fish species.

17. Yellow Sac Spider:

The Yellow Sac Spider, scientifically known as Cheiracanthium spp., is a venomous spider found in various parts of the world.
It is named after the sac-shaped retreat it creates for shelter and protection.
Yellow Sac Spiders are known for their potent venom and ability to bite humans if provoked.

18. Yellow Spotted Lizard:

The Yellow Spotted Lizard, Lepidophyma flavimaculatum, is a lizard species in Central America.
It is known for its distinctive yellow spots on its body and its secretive nature.
Yellow Spotted Lizards are primarily arboreal and inhabit forested areas.

19. Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkey:

The Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkey, scientifically known as Oreonax flavicauda, is a primate species found in the cloud forests of Peru and Bolivia.
Its dense woolly fur and long, prehensile tail characterize it.
Yellow-Tailed Woolly Monkeys are critically endangered and face habitat loss and hunting threats.

20. Yellow Tang:

The Yellow Tang, scientifically known as Zebrasoma flavescens, is a popular marine fish species found in the waters of the Pacific Ocean.
It is known for its vibrant yellow coloration and its disc-shaped body.
Yellow Tangs are commonly kept in saltwater aquariums and are prized for their beauty.

21. Yellow-Backed Duiker:

The Yellow-Backed Duiker, scientifically known as Cephalophus silvicultor, is a small antelope species found in Central and West Africa.
It is named after the yellowish coloration on its back and its habit of hiding in dense vegetation.
Yellow-Backed Duikers are primarily herbivorous and inhabit forested areas.

22. Yellow-bellied Marmot:

The Yellow-bellied Marmot, scientifically known as Marmota flaviventris, is a giant ground squirrel found in North America.
It is named after its yellowish belly and is known for its burrowing behavior and loud alarm calls.
Yellow-bellied Marmots are social animals that hibernate during the winter months.

23. Yellow-bellied Sea Snake:

The Yellow-bellied Sea Snake, or Pelamis platura, is a venomous snake in warm tropical waters.
It is named after its distinctive yellowish belly and is the most widely distributed sea snake species.
Yellow-bellied Sea Snakes have adapted to life in the ocean and are highly venomous.

24. Yellow-bellied Weasel:

The Yellow-bellied Weasel, scientifically known as Mustela kathiah, is a small carnivorous mammal found in Asia.
It is named after its yellowish belly and is known for its slender body and agility.
Yellow-bellied Weasels are skilled hunters and primarily feed on small rodents and birds.

25. Yellow-billed Hornbill:

The Yellow-billed Hornbill, scientifically known as Tockus flavirostris, is a bird species found in sub-Saharan Africa.
It is characterized by its yellow bill and black and white plumage.
Yellow-billed Hornbills are known for their unique nesting behavior, where the female seals herself inside a tree cavity during incubation.

26. Yelloweye Rockfish:

The Yelloweye Rockfish, scientifically known as Sebastes ruberrimus, is a fish found in the northeastern Pacific Ocean.
It is named after its distinctive yellow eyes and reddish coloration.
Yelloweye Rockfish are long-lived and slow-growing, and they inhabit rocky reef areas.

27. Yellow-eyed Penguin:

The Yellow-eyed Penguin, scientifically known as Megadyptes antipodes, is a penguin species found in New Zealand.
It is named after its characteristic yellow eyes and is one of the rarest penguin species in the world.
Yellow-eyed Penguins are known for their unique foraging behavior and distinctive yellow facial feathers.

28. Yellowfin Tuna:

The Yellowfin Tuna, scientifically known as Thunnus albacares, is a large fish species found in warm oceans worldwide.
It is named after its yellow fins and a sleek, streamlined body.
Commercial and recreational fishermen highly prize Yellowfin Tuna for their meat and fighting ability.

29. Yellow-footed Antechinus:

The Yellow-footed Antechinus, scientifically known as Antechinus flavipes, is a small marsupial found in Australia.
It is named after its yellow feet and is known for its aggressive mating behavior and short lifespan.
Yellow-footed Antechinus are insectivorous and mainly inhabit arid and semi-arid regions.

30. Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby:

The Yellow-footed Rock Wallaby, scientifically known as Petrogale xanthopus, is a marsupial species found in Australia.
It is named after its yellow feet and is known for its ability to climb steep rock surfaces.
Yellow-footed Rock Wallabies are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses and shrubs.

31. Yellowhammer:

The Yellowhammer, scientifically known as Emberiza citrinella, is a bird in Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
It is named after its vibrant yellow plumage and is known for its distinctive song.
Yellowhammers inhabit a variety of habitats, including farmland and open woodland.

32. Yellowjacket:

The Yellowjacket is a common name for several species of wasps in the Vespula and Dolichovespula genera.
They are named after their yellow and black coloration and are known for their aggressive behavior.
Yellowjackets are social insects often considered pests, particularly in late summer and early fall.

33. Yellow-necked Field Mouse:

The Yellow-necked Field Mouse, scientifically known as Apodemus flavicollis, is a rodent species found in Europe and Asia.
It is named after the yellow band around its neck and is known for its adaptability to various habitats.
Yellow-necked field mice are an essential part of the ecosystem. They help to control populations of insects and other small animals.

34. Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat:

The Yellow-nosed Cotton Rat, scientifically known as Sigmodon ochrognathus, is a small mammal in the southwestern United States and Mexico.
It is named after its yellow nose and is known for its burrowing behavior and herbivorous diet.
Yellow-nosed Cotton Rats are essential prey for predators such as snakes and owls.

35. Yellow-pine Chipmunk:

The Yellow-pine Chipmunk, scientifically known as Tamias amoenus, is a small squirrel-like rodent found in western North America.
It is named after its association with pine forests and characteristic yellowish-brown coloration.
Yellow-pine Chipmunks are known for their cheek pouches, carrying and storing food.

36. Yellow-throated Marten:

The Yellow-throated Marten, scientifically known as Martes flavigula, is a carnivorous mammal in Southeast Asia.
It is named after the yellowish coloration on its throat and chest.
Yellow-throated Martens are skilled climbers who feed on small mammals, birds, and insects.

37. Yellow-winged Bat:

The Yellow-winged Bat, scientifically known as Lavia frons, is a bat species found in parts of Africa and the Middle East.
It is named after its distinctive yellowish wings and is known for its insectivorous diet.
Yellow-winged Bats roost in caves and other sheltered areas during the day.

38. Yeti Crab:

The Yeti Crab, scientifically known as Kiwa hirsuta, is a crustacean species discovered in the deep-sea hydrothermal vents of the Pacific Ocean.
It is named after the mythical creature “Yeti” due to its hairy appearance.
Yeti Crabs are adapted to survive in extreme environments and rely on chemosynthetic bacteria for nutrition.

39. Yoranian:

Yoranian is a breed of domestic cat that originated in Iran.
It is known for its small size, fluffy coat, and lively personality.
Yoranians make great companions and are well-suited for apartment living.

40. Yorkie Bichon:

Yorkie Bichons are a mixed breed dog that is a cross between a Yorkshire Terrier and a Bichon Frise.
It is a small dog breed known for its friendly nature, intelligence, and low-shedding coat.
Yorkie Bichons are affectionate and make great family pets.

41. Yorkie-Poo:

The Yorkie-Poo is a designer dog breed created by crossing a Yorkshire Terrier and a Poodle.
It is known for its small size, hypoallergenic coat, and playful personality.
Yorkie-Poos are popular companion dogs often sought by those seeking a small, low-shedding breed.

42. Yorkshire Terrier:

The Yorkshire Terrier, often called Yorkie, is a small dog breed known for its long, silky coat and confident personality.
It originated in Yorkshire, England, and was initially bred for catching rats in clothing mills.
Yorkshire Terriers are popular as mate dogs and are cherished for their loyalty and affectionate nature.

43. Yucatan Jay:

The Yucatan Jay, scientifically known as Cyanocorax yucatanicus, is a bird species endemic to the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico.
It is known for its striking blue plumage and black facial markings.
Yucatan Jays are social birds that live in family groups and are often seen in open woodlands and forest edges.

44. Yucatan Squirrel:

The Yucatan Squirrel, scientifically known as Sciurus yucatanensis, is a tree-dwelling rodent found in the Yucatan Peninsula in Mexico and Central America.
It is known for its fluffy tail and reddish-brown fur.
Yucatan Squirrels feed on various plant materials, including fruits, nuts, and seeds.

45. Yuma Myotis:

The Yuma Myotis, scientifically known as Myotis yumanensis, is a small bat species in North and Central America.
It is named after the Yuma region in Arizona, where it was first described.
Yuma Myotis are insectivorous and play a crucial role in controlling insect populations.

Conclusion:

We hope you enjoyed learning about these 45 animals that start with the letter Y! There are many more fascinating creatures out there, so be sure to do more research and learn about them. The next time you’re out in nature, keep an eye out for these fantastic animals. You might just be surprised at what you find!