20 Animals That Start With I (2023)


collage of animals

Welcome to animals that start with I. Tons of animals have names that start with the letter I. Many of them can be found around you, while some others are a bit more exotic.

Here’s the complete list of animals that start with I:

  • Ibex
  • Ibis
  • Ibizan Hound
  • Icelandic Sheepdog
  • Ichthyosaurus
  • Iguana
  • Iguanodon
  • Immortal Jellyfish
  • Impala
  • Imperial Moth
  • Indian Cobra
  • Indian Elephant
  • Indian Giant Squirrel
  • Indian Palm Squirrel
  • Indian python
  • Indian Rhinoceros
  • Indian Star Tortoise
  • Indianmeal Moth
  • Indigo Snake
  • Indochinese Tiger

1. Ibex

  • Ibex, also known as Alpine ibex or capra ibex, are a type of wild goat native to the Alps in Europe.
  • They are known for their large, curved horns and their agile, sure-footed climbing abilities.
  • Ibex are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses, herbs, and other vegetation found in the mountainous regions they inhabit.
  • They live in herds, with males and females living separately for most of the year except during the breeding season.
  • Ibex are social animals and communicate with each other using a variety of vocalizations and body language.
  • There are several subspecies of ibex, including the Spanish ibex (Capra pyrenaica), which is native to the Pyrenees mountains in Spain and France.
  • Ibex are classified as a vulnerable species by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) due to habitat loss and overhunting.

2. Ibis

  • Ibis are a type of wading bird found in many parts of the world, including Africa, Europe, Asia, and the Americas.
  • There are several different species of ibis, including the sacred ibis (Threskiornis aethiopicus), the glossy ibis (Plegadis falcinellus), and the American white ibis (Eudocimus albus).
  • Ibis are known for their long, curved beaks and their habit of foraging for food in shallow water or wetland areas.
  • They are omnivorous and feed on a variety of small animals, such as insects, worms, and crustaceans, as well as plants and seeds.
  • Ibis are social birds and often form large flocks, particularly during the breeding season.
  • Many species of ibis are considered sacred or symbolic in various cultures around the world.
  • Some ibis species, such as the straw-necked ibis (Threskiornis spinicollis), are considered endangered due to habitat loss and other human activities.

3. Ibizan Hound

  • The Ibizan Hound, also known as the Podenco Ibicenco, is a breed of dog that originated in the island of Ibiza in the Mediterranean Sea.
  • They are known for their athletic build, slender body, and long, slender legs.
  • Ibizan Hounds have a short, fine coat that is typically white, although they may also have red or fawn markings.
  • They are energetic and athletic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Ibizan Hounds are intelligent and quick learners, but they can be independent and may be difficult to train if they are not motivated.
  • They are affectionate and loyal to their families, but they may be reserved or aloof with strangers.
  • Ibizan Hounds are generally healthy and have a lifespan of about 12-14 years.

4. Icelandic Sheepdog

  • The Icelandic Sheepdog is a breed of dog that originated in Iceland and is the only native dog breed in the country.
  • They are small to medium-sized dogs with a sturdy build, dense double coat, and a long, fluffy tail.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs come in a variety of colors, including black, tan, red, and sable, and may have white markings.
  • They are energetic and athletic dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are intelligent, loyal, and affectionate, and they are known for their strong bond with their families.
  • They are good with children and make excellent family pets, but they may be reserved or cautious with strangers.
  • Icelandic Sheepdogs are generally healthy and have a lifespan of about 12-14 years.

5. Ichthyosaurus

  • Ichthyosaurus is an extinct genus of marine reptile that lived during the Early Jurassic period, about 200 million years ago.
  • Ichthyosaurus belonged to a group of reptiles known as ichthyosaurs, which were adapted for life in the water and had a streamlined body, flippers, and a fish-like tail.
  • Ichthyosaurus had a long, narrow head with large eyes and a mouth full of sharp, pointed teeth.
  • It is estimated that Ichthyosaurus grew up to about 2-3 meters (6-10 feet) in length, although some species may have been larger.
  • Ichthyosaurus was a fast and agile swimmer and is thought to have fed on fish and other small marine animals.
  • Ichthyosaurus gave birth to live young and is one of the earliest known reptiles to do so.
  • Fossils of Ichthyosaurus have been found in marine sediments in Europe, North America, and Asia, indicating that it had a wide distribution.

6. Iguana

  • Iguana is a genus of reptile that includes several species of lizards native to Central and South America.
  • The most well-known species of iguana is the green iguana (Iguana iguana), which is a popular pet.
  • Iguanas are large lizards with a long, spiny tail, a crest of spines running down their back, and a pair of horn-like scales on their head.
  • They are herbivorous and primarily feed on leaves, flowers, and fruit.
  • Iguanas are arboreal, meaning that they spend most of their time in trees, and are known for their agile climbing abilities.
  • They are diurnal, meaning that they are active during the day and sleep at night.
  • Iguanas are generally docile and are known for their ability to vocalize, although they can become aggressive if they feel threatened.

7. Iguanodon

  • Iguanodon is an extinct genus of herbivorous dinosaurs that lived during the early Cretaceous period, about 130-125 million years ago according to scientists.
  • Iguanodon was one of the first dinosaurs to be scientifically described and named, and it is one of the best-known dinosaurs from the early Cretaceous period.
  • Iguanodon was a large dinosaur, with an estimated length of about 9 meters (30 feet) and a weight of about 2.5-4 tons.
  • It had a long, heavy tail, a bulky body, and a small head with a beak-like snout and a pair of large, curved thumb claws.
  • Iguanodon was a herbivore and is thought to have fed on low-lying plants using its thumb claws to grasp and tear off vegetation.
  • It had a semi-erect posture, with its hind limbs longer than its forelimbs, and is thought to have walked on all fours.
  • Fossils of Iguanodon have been found in Europe, North America, and Asia, indicating that it had a wide distribution.

8. Immortal Jellyfish

  • The Immortal Jellyfish (Turritopsis dohrnii) is a species of small, translucent jellyfish that is native to the Mediterranean Sea and the coast of Japan.
  • It is known for its ability to revert to a juvenile form after it has matured and reproduced, effectively allowing it to achieve biological immortality.
  • The Immortal Jellyfish is a small species, with an average diameter of about 4.5mm (0.18 inches) and a bell-shaped body with long, thin tentacles.
  • It feeds on small plankton and other microscopic organisms, using its tentacles to capture and digest its prey.
  • The Immortal Jellyfish has a complex lifecycle, starting as a larva that settles on the ocean floor and develops into a polyp, a sessile form that feeds and reproduces asexually.
  • When conditions become unfavorable, the polyp can transform into a juvenile jellyfish, which can then reproduce sexually and release offspring into the water.
  • The Immortal Jellyfish is found in a variety of marine environments, including coral reefs, coastal waters, and estuaries.

9. Impala

  • The impala (Aepyceros melampus) is a species of antelope that is native to the savannas and woodlands of eastern and southern Africa.
  • Impalas are medium-sized antelopes, with a reddish-brown coat and a distinctive black stripe running down the back.
  • They are known for their athletic ability and can reach speeds of up to 60 km/h (37 mph) and leap up to 3 meters (10 feet) in the air.
  • Impalas are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses, although they may also browse on leaves and other vegetation.
  • They live in herds, with males and females living separately except during the breeding season.
  • Impalas are territorial and use vocalizations and scent marking to defend their territory.
  • They are a popular game animal and are hunted for their meat and skins. Impalas are not considered endangered, but some populations have declined due to habitat loss and poaching.

10. Imperial Moth

  • The Imperial Moth (Eacles imperialis) is a species of moth that is native to the eastern United States and Canada.
  • It is a large moth, with a wingspan of about 10-15 cm (4-6 inches) and a body length of about 5-7 cm (2-3 inches).
  • The Imperial Moth is named for its bright orange, yellow, and white coloration, which is reminiscent of the royal robes of ancient Rome.
  • The wings of the Imperial Moth are covered in small scales, which help to keep the moth’s wings dry and functional.
  • The Imperial Moth is nocturnal and is attracted to light, making it a common sight at porch lights and streetlights.
  • It is a univoltine species, meaning that it has one generation per year. The adult Imperial Moth emerges from the pupal stage in late spring or early summer and lives for about two weeks.
  • The Imperial Moth feeds on nectar from flowers, using its long, coiled proboscis to reach the nectar.

11. Indian Cobra

  • The Indian Cobra (Naja naja) is a venomous snake that is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
  • It is a medium to large snake, with an average length of about 1.5-2 meters (5-6.5 feet) and a weight of about 1-3 kg (2-7 pounds).
  • The Indian Cobra is a highly venomous snake and is capable of injecting large amounts of neurotoxic venom through its long, hollow fangs.
  • It is a carnivorous snake and feeds on small mammals, birds, and other reptiles.
  • The Indian Cobra is a highly adaptable snake and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.
  • It is a good climber and is known for its ability to raise the front part of its body off the ground and spread its hood, a defensive behavior that is used to intimidate predators and potential threats.
  • The Indian Cobra is considered endangered in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and overcollection for the pet trade.

12. Indian Elephant

  • The Indian Elephant (Elephas maximus indicus) is a subspecies of the Asian elephant that is native to the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is the largest living land animal in Asia and one of the largest living land animals in the world, with males reaching up to 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) in height and weighing up to 5-7 tons.
  • Indian Elephants have a distinctive appearance, with a large, bulky body, a long, flexible trunk, and large, floppy ears.
  • They are herbivorous and primarily feed on grasses, leaves, and bark, but they may also consume fruits, roots, and other plant matter.
  • Indian Elephants are highly intelligent and social animals and live in herds led by a dominant female.
  • They are known for their strong memories and ability to use tools, such as using their trunk to dig for water or to pull branches down to eat.
  • Indian Elephants are considered endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans.

13. Indian Giant Squirrel

  • The Indian Giant Squirrel, also known as the Malabar Giant Squirrel or the Indian Giant Flying Squirrel, is a species of large squirrel that is native to the Western Ghats of India.
  • It is the largest species of squirrel in the world, with an average body length of about 50-60 cm (20-24 inches) and a tail length of about 40-60 cm (16-24 inches).
  • The Indian Giant Squirrel has a distinctive appearance, with a fluffy, bushy tail and a coat that is usually gray or brown in color.
  • It is an arboreal species and spends most of its time in the canopy of trees, where it feeds on a variety of plant material, including fruits, nuts, seeds, and flowers.
  • The Indian Giant Squirrel is a territorial animal and uses vocalizations and scent marking to defend its territory.
  • It is a solitary animal and is active during the day.
  • The Indian Giant Squirrel is considered vulnerable due to habitat loss and other human activities.

14. Indian Palm Squirrel

  • The Indian Palm Squirrel (Funambulus palmarum) is a species of squirrel that is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
  • It is a small to medium-sized squirrel, with an average body length of about 15-20 cm (6-8 inches) and a tail length of about 15-25 cm (6-10 inches).
  • The Indian Palm Squirrel has a distinctive appearance, with a reddish-brown or gray coat and a long, bushy tail.
  • It is an arboreal species and spends most of its time in trees, where it feeds on a variety of plant material, including seeds, fruits, and nuts.
  • The Indian Palm Squirrel is diurnal, meaning that it is active during the day, and is known for its agile climbing abilities.
  • It is a social animal and is known to live in large groups, with females and juveniles living together and males living separately.
  • The Indian Palm Squirrel is widely distributed across its range and is not considered threatened.

15. Indian python

  • The Indian python (Python molurus) is a species of large, nonvenomous snake that is native to the Indian subcontinent and parts of Southeast Asia.
  • It is a large snake, with an average length of about 3-5 meters (10-16 feet) and a weight of about 20-30 kg (45-65 pounds).
  • The Indian python has a distinctive appearance, with a heavy body, a triangular head, and a pattern of large, dark blotches on a light-colored background.
  • It is a carnivorous snake and feeds on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and other small mammals.
  • The Indian python is a good swimmer and is often found near water sources, such as rivers, swamps, and marshes.
  • It is a non-venomous constrictor, meaning that it kills its prey by constricting its body around it and suffocating it.
  • The Indian python is not considered threatened, but it is protected in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and other human activities.

16. Indian Rhinoceros

  • The Indian Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros unicornis) is a large, herbivorous mammal that is native to the grasslands and swamps of the Indian subcontinent.
  • It is one of the largest species of rhinoceros in the world, with a body length of about 3-4 meters (10-13 feet) and a weight of about 2-3 tons.
  • The Indian Rhinoceros has a distinctive appearance, with a thick, armored skin and a single, large horn on its snout.
  • It is a herbivorous animal and feeds on grasses, leaves, and other plant material.
  • The Indian Rhinoceros is a solitary animal and is active during the day. It communicates with other rhinoceroses using vocalizations and scent marking.
  • The Indian Rhinoceros is considered endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans. There are currently about 3,500 Indian Rhinoceroses remaining in the wild.

17. Indian Star Tortoise

  • The Indian Star Tortoise (Geochelone elegans) is a species of tortoise that is native to the dry, scrubby grasslands of India and Sri Lanka.
  • It is a medium-sized tortoise, with an average length of about 30-40 cm (12-16 inches) and a weight of about 5-10 kg (11-22 pounds).
  • The Indian Star Tortoise is named for the distinctive star-like patterns on its carapace (upper shell), which are made up of concentric rings of black and yellow or brown scales.
  • It is a herbivorous animal and feeds on a variety of grasses, leaves, and other plant material.
  • The Indian Star Tortoise is a terrestrial species and spends most of its time on land, although it may also venture into shallow water to drink or cool off.
  • It is a solitary animal and is active during the day.
  • The Indian Star Tortoise is considered endangered due to habitat loss and overcollection for the pet trade.

18. Indianmeal Moth

  • The Indianmeal Moth (Plodia interpunctella) is a species of moth that is found throughout the world, including North America, Europe, and Asia.
  • It is a small moth, with a wingspan of about 10-15 mm (0.4-0.6 inches) and a body length of about 7-10 mm (0.3-0.4 inches).
  • The Indianmeal Moth is named for its larvae, which are known to feed on a variety of stored grain products, including cornmeal, flour, and cereals.
  • The adult Indianmeal Moth has a distinctive appearance, with wings that are pale yellow or cream-colored with coppery-brown markings.
  • It is a nocturnal species and is attracted to light.
  • The Indianmeal Moth has a single generation per year and the larvae can take several weeks to several months to mature, depending on the temperature and availability of food.
  • The Indianmeal Moth is considered a pest and can be found in homes, warehouses, and other structures where stored grain products are present.

19. Indigo Snake

  • The Indigo Snake (Drymarchon couperi) is a species of large, nonvenomous snake that is native to the southeastern United States and parts of Central and South America.
  • It is a large snake, with an average length of about 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet) and a weight of about 2-4 kg (4.5-9 pounds).
  • The Indigo Snake has a distinctive appearance, with a shiny, iridescent blue-black coloration and a long, slender body.
  • It is a carnivorous snake and feeds on a variety of prey, including rodents, birds, and other small mammals.
  • The Indigo Snake is a good climber and is often found in trees and other elevated areas.
  • It is a non-venomous constrictor, meaning that it kills its prey by constricting its body around it and suffocating it.
  • The Indigo Snake is not considered threatened, but it is protected in some parts of its range due to habitat loss and other human activities.

20. Indochinese Tiger

  • The Indochinese Tiger (Panthera tigris corbetti) is a subspecies of tiger that is native to the Indochina region of Southeast Asia, including Cambodia, Laos, Thailand, Vietnam, and parts of China and Myanmar.
  • It is a large cat, with an average body length of about 2-3 meters (6.5-10 feet) and a weight of about 100-250 kg (220-550 pounds).
  • The Indochinese Tiger has a distinctive appearance, with a orange-brown coat covered in dark stripes and a white underside.
  • It is a carnivorous animal and feeds on a variety of prey, including deer, wild pigs, and other mammals.
  • The Indochinese Tiger is a solitary animal and is active during the day and night. It communicates with other tigers using vocalizations and scent marking.
  • The Indochinese Tiger is considered endangered due to habitat loss, poaching, and conflicts with humans. There are currently about 350 Indochinese Tigers remaining in the wild.

Conclusion: Animals That Start With I

Here’s the complete list of animals that start with I:

  • Ibex
  • Ibis
  • Ibizan Hound
  • Icelandic Sheepdog
  • Ichthyosaurus
  • Iguana
  • Iguanodon
  • Immortal Jellyfish
  • Impala
  • Imperial Moth
  • Indian Cobra
  • Indian Elephant
  • Indian Giant Squirrel
  • Indian Palm Squirrel
  • Indian python
  • Indian Rhinoceros
  • Indian Star Tortoise
  • Indianmeal Moth
  • Indigo Snake
  • Indochinese Tiger

David Sandy

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