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Writer's picturejessiekdesign

Animals That Start With The Letter L

Updated: Aug 15, 2023

From the lofty lords of the skies to the lively lurkers of the land, this adventure promises a laughter-filled journey through the animal alphabet's most captivating characters. With leaps, lounges, and a touch of lightheartedness, these "L"-powered animals are here to lead you on a trail of tales that will leave you longing for more. So, let's lace up our imaginary hiking boots and venture into the realms of the lively, the leaping, and the downright lovable animals that start with the letter "L"!


Let's Explore Animals That Start With The Letter L!

Ladybug climbing a small branch.

Ladybug

Ladybugs, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are a type of small, brightly colored beetle that is native to many parts of the world. They are known for their distinctive round shape and the red or orange shells with black spots that many species have. Ladybugs are important in agriculture because they are predators of many types of insects that can damage crops. They are also popular with gardeners and are often seen as a sign of good luck. There are over 5,000 known species of ladybugs, which vary in size, color, and patterns. Ladybugs are generally harmless to humans and are not considered to be a pest. In some cultures, they are considered a symbol of good luck and are believed to bring prosperity.


Langur sitting on a rock at the top of a mountain.

Langur

Langurs are a type of Old World monkey that is found in many parts of Asia. They are known for their long tails and their distinctive black or dark-colored faces. There are many species of langurs, which vary in size, habitat preference, and coloration. Langurs are generally arboreal animals and are adapted to living in trees. They are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plant matter, including leaves, fruit, and flowers. Langurs are social animals and live in large groups, which can include up to several hundred individuals. They are known for their complex social behavior and communication patterns, and for their use of vocalizations, body language, and facial expressions to communicate with each other.


Leafcutter Ant climbing a leaf.

Leafcutter Ant

Leafcutter ants are a type of ant that is found in Central and South America. They are known for their ability to cut and carry pieces of leaves, which they use to cultivate a type of fungus that they eat. Leafcutter ants are a type of social insect and live in large colonies that can include up to several million individuals. Each colony is divided into different castes, including workers, soldiers, and queens. The workers are responsible for foraging for food, caring for the young, and maintaining the nest. The soldiers are responsible for defending the colony against predators. The queens are responsible for reproduction and are the largest individuals in the colony. Leafcutter ants are an important part of the ecosystem and play a role in the decomposition of plant matter.


Leatherback Sea Turtle on a beach.

Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest species of sea turtle and is named for its leathery carapace, which is unique among sea turtles. It is found in tropical and subtropical waters around the world and is known for its long migrations, which can cover thousands of miles. Leatherback sea turtles are endangered and are threatened by a variety of factors, including habitat loss, pollution, and accidental capture in fishing gear. They are protected by law in many countries and are the subject of conservation efforts. Leatherback sea turtles are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including jellyfish, squid, and other small invertebrates. They are adapted to life in the open ocean and can dive to depths of over 4,000 feet.


Four Leeches on a hand.

Leech

Leeches are worms that are known for their ability to attach to animals and humans and feed on their blood. They are found in a variety of freshwater and terrestrial habitats around the world. There are over 700 known species of leeches, which vary in size and appearance. Most leeches are elongated and flattened, with a sucker at each end of their body. Leeches are carnivorous and feed on the blood of a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are equipped with a set of sharp, backwards-pointing teeth and a hinged jaw that helps them attach to their host. Leeches are used in a variety of medical and scientific applications, including the study of blood coagulation and the treatment of certain medical conditions.

Lemming climbing out of a snow bank.

Lemming

Lemmings are small, rodent-like mammals that are found in the northern parts of North America, Europe, and Asia. They are known for their small size, short legs, and short, stocky bodies. There are many species of lemmings, which vary in size, color, and habitat preference. Lemmings are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plant matter, including grasses, leaves, and flowers. They are adapted to living in cold, snowy environments and are able to survive long, harsh winters. Lemmings are social animals and live in large groups, which can include up to several hundred individuals. They are known for their migratory behavior, in which they move en masse from one area to another. This behavior is often exaggerated in popular culture, leading to the myth that lemmings will blindly follow each other off of cliffs.


Lemur playing on a bridge at a zoo.

Lemur

Lemurs are primates that are native to the island of Madagascar. They are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes a long, bushy tail, large eyes, and a pointed snout. There are over 100 known species of lemurs, which vary in size, color, and habitat preference. Lemurs are generally arboreal animals and are adapted to living in trees. They are mostly herbivorous and feed on a variety of plant matter, including leaves, fruit, and flowers. Lemurs are social animals and live in groups, which can include up to several dozen individuals. They are known for their vocalizations and use a variety of calls and vocalizations to communicate with each other. Lemurs are an endangered species and are threatened by habitat loss and poaching. They are protected by law in Madagascar and are the subject of conservation efforts.


Closeup of a Leopard next to a rock wall.

Leopard

The leopard is a large cat that is native to Africa and Asia. It is known for its beautiful, spotted coat and its powerful build. Leopards are carnivorous and hunt a variety of prey, including antelopes, pigs, and rodents. They are skilled climbers and are often found in trees, where they rest and store their prey. Leopards are solitary animals and are most active at dawn and dusk. They are generally smaller than other big cats, such as lions and tigers, and are more adaptable to a variety of environments. Leopards are an important cultural and ecological symbol in many parts of Africa and Asia and are protected by law in some areas.


Leopard Seal poking his head out of the water.

Leopard Seal

The leopard seal is a large, predatory seal that is found in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. It is named for its distinctive coat, which is marked with dark spots and rosettes that are similar to those of a leopard. Leopard seals are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, squid, and other seals. They are known for their powerful jaws and sharp teeth and are skilled predators. Leopard seals are large animals and can reach lengths of over 13 feet and weights of over 1,000 pounds. They are generally solitary animals and are most commonly found in the water, although they are also known to haul out onto ice floes and land. Leopard seals are an important component of the Southern Ocean ecosystem and play a role in the regulation of prey populations.


A Liger resting.

Liger

A liger is a hybrid animal that is created by breeding a male lion and a female tiger. It is the largest of all the big cat hybrids and can reach sizes that are larger than either of its parent species. Ligers have the characteristics of both lions and tigers, including a lion-like mane and tiger-like stripes. They are generally larger and more muscular than lions and are known for their great strength and power. Ligers are not found in the wild, as they can only be created through breeding in captivity. They are popular in zoos and other exhibition settings, but their creation is controversial due to concerns about their welfare and the ethics of breeding large carnivores for entertainment purposes.


A Limpet on a rocky shore.

Limpet

Limpet is a common name for a type of sea snail that is characterized by a conical shell and a strong, muscular foot that it uses to cling to rocks and other hard surfaces. Limpets are found in the intertidal zone and are adapted to living in a constantly changing environment. They are found in a variety of habitats, including rocky shores, coral reefs, and estuaries. Limpets are herbivorous and feed on a variety of algae and other plant matter. They are an important component of the marine ecosystem and play a role in the health and diversity of coastal habitats. Limpets are also an important food source for a variety of animals, including humans, and are harvested for food in many parts of the world.


Two Lionesses standing next to a dead tree.

Lion

The lion is a large cat that is native to Africa and parts of Asia. It is the second-largest living cat after the tiger and is known for its powerful build, mane of hair around its head, and distinctive roar. Lions are carnivorous and hunt a variety of prey, including antelopes, pigs, and rodents. They are social animals and live in groups called prides, which can include up to several dozen individuals. Lions are apex predators and play an important role in the ecosystem by controlling the populations of their prey species.


Lionfish swimming in water.

Lionfish

Lionfish are a type of venomous fish that are native to the Pacific and Indian Oceans. They are known for their distinctive appearance, which includes long, fan-like fins, brightly colored stripes, and venomous spines. There are several species of lionfish, which vary in size and coloration. Lionfish are generally found in coral reefs and other shallow, tropical waters. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of small fish and invertebrates. Lionfish are popular in the aquarium trade and are known for their striking appearance and graceful swimming. They are also an invasive species in some parts of the world and are a major concern for marine ecosystems. Lionfish are able to reproduce rapidly and have no natural predators in their introduced range, which allows their populations to grow unchecked and can lead to declines in native species.


Lizard on a sidewalk.

Lizard

Lizards are a type of reptile that is found on every continent except Antarctica. There are over 6,000 known species of lizards, which vary in size, shape, and coloration. Lizards are adapted to living in a variety of habitats, including deserts, forests, and grasslands. They are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, and other lizards. Lizards are known for their ability to move quickly and to escape predators by running, climbing, or gliding. Many species of lizards are also able to defend themselves with venom, spines, or other physical defenses. Lizards are an important part of many ecosystems and play a role in the control of pest species. They are also popular as pets and are kept by people all over the world.


Llama standing in a field of tall grass.

Llama

Llamas are domesticated animals that are native to South America. They are closely related to camels and are known for their long necks, long ears, and long, thick wool. Llamas are used for a variety of purposes, including transportation, packing, and as guard animals. They are also kept as pets and for show. Llamas are intelligent and docile animals and are generally easy to train and handle. They are social animals and are known for their strong bonds with their handlers. Llamas are herbivorous and feed on a variety of grasses and other plant matter. They are well-suited to living in harsh, dry environments and are able to survive on minimal amounts of food and water. Llamas are an important part of the culture and economy of the Andean region of South America.


Lobster next to some plants.

Lobster

Lobsters are a type of seafood that is highly prized for its sweet, succulent meat. They are crustaceans that are related to shrimp, crabs, and crayfish and are found in oceans around the world. Lobsters are characterized by their large size, hard shells, and long, jointed antennae. They are generally found in shallow, coastal waters and are most commonly caught by commercial fishermen using traps or lobster pots. Lobsters are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, mollusks, and other crustaceans. They are an important source of food and are harvested for their meat, which is often cooked and served in a variety of dishes. Lobsters are also popular as pets and are kept in home aquariums.


Closeup of a Locust.

Locust

Locusts are a type of grasshopper that is known for its ability to form swarms and migrate over long distances. They are found in many parts of the world and are a major concern for agriculture because they can cause extensive damage to crops. Locusts are herbivorous and feed on a variety of plants, including grasses, grains, and legumes. They are able to reproduce rapidly and can build up large populations in a short period of time. When environmental conditions are favorable, locusts can form swarms that can contain millions of individuals. These swarms can migrate over long distances and can cause significant damage to crops and other vegetation in their path. Locusts are a major concern for farmers and are controlled using a variety of methods, including chemical pesticides and natural predators.


Closeup of a Lorikeet.

Lorikeet

Lorikeets are a type of parrot that is native to Australia and parts of the Pacific. They are known for their colorful plumage, which includes a variety of bright hues such as red, orange, green, and blue. Lorikeets are small to medium-sized birds and are characterized by their long, sharp beaks and brush-tipped tongues, which they use to feed on nectar and pollen. There are many species of lorikeets, which vary in size, color, and habitat preference. Lorikeets are social birds and are often found in large flocks. They are popular as pets and are known for their playful, energetic personality. Lorikeets are also an important part of the ecosystem and play a role in the pollination of flowers and the dispersal of seeds.


Loris easting some food in captivity.

Loris

Lorises are a type of small, slow-moving primate that is found in the tropical forests of Africa and Asia. There are several species of lorises, which vary in size, color, and habitat preference. Lorises are nocturnal animals and are adapted to living in trees. They have long, slender bodies and are known for their large eyes, which help them see in the low light conditions of their forest habitat. Lorises are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including insects, small mammals, and reptiles. They are generally solitary animals and are known for their slow, deliberate movements.


Lynx sitting on a rock in the woods.

Lynx

Lynx are a type of wild cat that is native to the forests of Europe, Asia, and North America. They are known for their short tails, tufted ears, and large, padded paws, which help them move silently through the snow. There are four species of lynx, which vary in size and coloration. Lynx are carnivorous and feed on a variety of prey, including hares, rabbits, and other small mammals. They are skilled hunters and are able to capture their prey using stealth and agility. Lynx are generally solitary animals and are most active at dawn and dusk. They are threatened by habitat loss and conflict with humans and are protected by law in many countries. Lynx are an important part of the ecosystem and play a role in the control of pest species.


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