17 Animals That Start With 'Q': From Quetzals to Quokkas

The Queen Alexandra's birdwing butterfly is the world's largest butterfly, with a wingspan reaching up to 11 inches (33 cm). Its striking colors and delicate flight make it one of nature’s most spectacular sights.

Found only in the tropical rainforests of Papua New Guinea, this magnificent insect is endangered due to habitat destruction.

This Australian marsupial is famous for its adorable, seemingly smiling face. Found on islands off the coast of Western Australia, quokkas are nocturnal and primarily herbivorous. Despite their friendly appearance, they are still wild animals and should not be fed by humans.

This stunning game bird is known for its shimmering green and red feathers and its incredibly long tail feathers. Native to Central America, the quetzal plays a significant role in Mayan and Aztec mythology. Unfortunately, habitat loss threatens its population in the wild.

A nonvenomous snake found in North America, the queen snake primarily feeds on crayfish. It thrives in clean, fast-moving streams and rivers, making it a good indicator of water quality.

The queen snake is not particularly aggressive and is often mistaken for other harmless species.

One of the largest fish found in the Indian Ocean and the Pacific, the Queensland grouper can grow over 8 feet (2.4 meters) long. This massive predator is known for its powerful jaws and ability to ambush prey. Despite its size, it faces threats from overfishing.

A common game bird found across various continents, quails are small and speedy ground-dwellers. Known for their distinctive calls and short, rounded wings, these birds are often domesticated or hunted for sport. Some species have striking patterns and feather crests.

The quagga was a subspecies of the plains zebra, once found in South Africa. Sadly, it became an extinct species in the 19th century due to overhunting. Scientists are now working on breeding programs to bring back the quagga’s unique striped-and-solid coat pattern.

This prehistoric fish is considered a living fossil, having remained virtually unchanged for over 100 million years.

Found only in Australian rivers, the Queensland lungfish can breathe both in water and air, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen environments. Conservation efforts are crucial to protect this incredible species.

A carnivorous marsupial native to Australia and New Guinea, the quoll is a nocturnal hunter. It preys on insects, small mammals and birds, playing a vital role in controlling pest populations. Unfortunately, habitat destruction and invasive predators threaten its survival.

This vibrantly colored fish is found in coral reefs of the western Atlantic and Caribbean. With its striking blue and yellow hues, the queen angelfish is a popular species among divers and aquarium enthusiasts. It primarily feeds on sponges and small invertebrates.

A freshwater fish native to North America, the quillback gets its name from its elongated dorsal fin that resembles a quill. It is often mistaken for carp but is a separate species known for its silvery scales. This fish plays an essential role in freshwater ecosystems by feeding on algae and detritus.

A striking reef fish found in the Atlantic Ocean, the queen triggerfish is known for its vivid coloration and spiky dorsal fin. It is an intelligent predator, using its strong jaws to crush sea urchins and shellfish. This species is often sought after by divers and marine photographers.

Found in Australia, the quacking frog gets its name from its distinctive call, which sounds like a duck's quack. It inhabits wetlands and forests, where it breeds in temporary water pools. Like many amphibians, it is vulnerable to habitat destruction and climate change.

This tropical fish plays a crucial role in coral reef health by feeding on algae and dead coral. Found in the Caribbean, the queen parrotfish is known for its bright blue and green coloration. It has a unique ability to change sex as it matures.

This large, edible clam is commonly found along the eastern coast of North America. Some quahog clams have been recorded to live for over 500 years, making them some of the longest-living animals on Earth. They are a popular seafood choice and play an essential role in marine ecosystems.

Native to Australia, the quokka frog is a small, burrowing species that thrives in wetland environments. It is named for its resemblance to the quokka due to its round body shape. Like many amphibians, it is highly sensitive to environmental changes.

These birds belong to the genus Quiscalus and are known for their iridescent plumage and loud calls. Found in North and South America, grackles are highly adaptable and often seen in urban environments. Their intelligence and problem-solving abilities make them fascinating to observe.

We created this article in conjunction with AI technology, then made sure it was fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor.