Jesters and jokes take up a page on the J’s dictionary, and in the interesting list of animals that start with letter J there may even be some amusing creatures as well!

Get a good look at not only the animal’s Scientific name with its Genus ⁽¹⁾ and Species ⁽²⁾ listed but also the fun and free Animal Coloring Sheets we have available.

Take a gander for yourself, and strap on that adventure cap of yours because we’ve got some wild critters to look at!

Amphibians that Start with the letter J

From the forests of Japan to the hot sun in Jamaica there are lots of crawling and slimmy amphibians that start with the letter J, and one of them in particular is the second-largest salamander species in the world! ⁽³⁾

These large and wrinkly guys and gals are quite the interesting creatures! Much like a common salamander they can breathe through their own skin, which is pretty darn neat. But something that sets the Japanese Giant Salamander a part is its ability to re-grow it’s bone and skin if it needs to. ⁽³⁾

Could you imagine if humans had that capability, we’d be superheroes just like the Japanese Giant Salamander!

• Jackie’s Reed Frog (Hyperolius jackie)
• Jackson’s Climbing Salamander (Bolitoglossa jacksoni)
• Jacobsen’s Long Reed Frog (Hyperolius jacobseni)
• Jaladhara Skittering Frog (Euphlyctis jaladhara)
• Jamaican Bromeliad Frog (Eleutherodactylus jamaicensis)
• Jamaican Ear-spotted Frog (Eleutherodactylus fuscus)
• Jamaican Forest Frog (Eleutherodactylus gossei)
• Jamaican Green Treefrog (Osteopilus wilderi)
• Jamaican Laughing Treefrog (Osteopilus ocellatus)
• Jamaican Masked Frog (Eleutherodactylus luteolus)
• Jamaican Pallid Frog (Eleutherodactylus grabhami)
• Jamaican Peak Frog (Eleutherodactylus alticola)
• Jamaican Red-eyed Frog (Eleutherodactylus nubicola)
• Japanese Rift Salamander (Hynobius fossigenus)
• Jamaican Rockfrog (Eleutherodactylus cundalli)
• Jamaican Rump-spotted Frog (Eleutherodactylus andrewsi)
• Jamaican Snoring Treefrog (Osteopilus crucialis)
• Jamaican Streamfrog (Eleutherodactylus orcutti)
• Jamaican Yellow-bellied Frog (Eleutherodactylus pantoni)
• Jamaican Yellow Treefrog (Osteopilus marianae)
• Jambato Toad (Atelopus ignescens)
• Japanese Common Toad (Bufo japonicus)
• Japanese Clawed Salamander (Onychodactylus japonicus)
• Japanese Fire Belly Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster)
• Japanese Giant Salamander (Andrias japonicus)
• Japanese Newt (Cynops pyrrhogaster)
• Japanese Stream Toad (Bufo torrenticola)
• Japanese Tree Frog (Hyla japonica)
• Javan Caecilian (Ichthyophis hypocyaneus)
• Javan Chorus Frog (Microhyla achatina)
• Javelin Frog (Litoria microbelos)
• Jefferson Salamander (Ambystoma jeffersonianum)
• Jeet Sukumaran’s Torrent-Dwelling Toad (Ansonia jeetsukumarani)
• Jemez Mountains Salamander (Plethodon neomexicanus)
• Jerdon`s Bullfrog (Hoplobatrachus crassus)
• Jervis Bay Treefrog (Litoria jervisiensis)
• Jester Rainfrog (Pristimantis jester)
• Jhilmil Terrestrial Frog (Minervarya jhilmilensis)
• Jiangxi Giant (Andrias jiangxiensis)
• Jilin Zhaoni (Onychodactylus zhangyapingi)
• Jim Zimkus’ Puddle Frog (Phrynobatrachus jimzimkusi)
• Jiménez de la Espada’s (Pristimantis jimenezi)
• Jingdong Horned Toad (Boulenophrys jingdongensis)
• Jingdong Toothed Toad (Oreolalax jingdongensis)
• Jinggang Tree Frog (Gracixalus jinggangensis)
• Jinxiu bubble-nest Frog (Gracixalus jinxiuensis)
• Jiulianshan Horned Toad (Boulenophrys jiulianensis)
• Jog Krishnan Cricket Frog (Minervarya krishnan)
• Jog’s Night Frog (Nyctibatrachus jog)
• John Crow Yellow-bellied Frog (Eleutherodactylus pentasyringos)
• Johnson’s Horned Treefrog (Hemiphractus johnsoni)
• Johnston’s River Frog (Amietia johnstoni)
• Johor Tiny Sticky Frog (Kalophrynus limbooliati)
• Jollyville Plateau Salamander (Eurycea tonkawae)
• Jordans Dwarf Frog (Physalaemus jordanensis)
• Jordan’s Salamander (Plethodon jordani)
• Junaluska Salamander (Eurycea junaluska)

Birds that Start with the letter J

Out of all the fascinating birds that start with the letter J, hoo-hoo are we going to shine the neat-bird spotlight on? Coming in at a 11.08 oz, let’s introduce this stunning and nocturnal fellow the Jamaican Owl. This owl is so unique that it was given its own genus, you don’t see that every scientific day! ⁽⁴⁾

Though there isn’t a ton of specific research on this interesting bird, it is known that they have a very distinct call that is used to attract mates, communicate, and potential ward off predators. ⁽⁵⁾

Check it out for yourself in this Jamaican owl video!

• Jabiru (Jabiru mycteria)
• Jack Snipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
• Jackal Buzzard (Buteo rufofuscus)
• Jackson’s Hornbill (Tockus jacksoni)
• Jackson’s Spurfowl (Francolinus jacksoni)
• Jackson’s Widowbird (Euplectes jacksoni)
• Jacky Winter (Microeca fascinans)
• Jacobin Cuckoo (Clamator jacobinus)
• Jalca Tapaculo (Scytalopus frankeae)
• Jaçana (Jacanidae)
• Jacamar (Galbulidae)
• Jackdaw (Corvus monedula)
• Jacksnipe (Lymnocryptes minimus)
• Jacobin (Florisuga mellivora)
• Jaeger (Stercorariidae)
• Jamaican Crow (Corvus jamaicensis)
• Jamaican Owl (Pseudoscops grammicus)
• Jamaican Woodpecker (Melanerpes radiolatus)
• Jambandu Indigobird (Vidua raricola)
• Jambu Fruit Dove (Ptilinopus jambu)
• Jameson’s Antpecker (Parmoptila jamesoni)
• Jameson’s Firefinch (Lagonosticta rhodopareia)
• Jameson’s Snipe (Gallinago jamesoni)
• Jameson’s Wattle-eye (Platysteira jamesoni)
• James’s Flamingo (Phoenicoparrus jamesi)
• Jandaya Parakeet (Aratinga jandaya)
• Jankowski’s Bunting (Emberiza jankowskii)
• Japanese Accentor (Prunella rubida)
• Japanese Cormorant (Phalacrocorax capillatus)
• Japanese Murrelet (Synthliboramphus wumizusume)
• Japanese Paradise Flycatcher (Terpsiphone atrocaudata)
• Japanese Scops Owl (Otus semitorques)
• Japanese Sparrowhawk (Accipiter gularis)
• Java Sparrow (Lonchura oryzivora)
• Javan Cuckooshrike (Coracina javensis)
• Javan Frogmouth (Batrachostomus javensis)
• Javan White-eye (Zosterops flavus)
• Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
• Jet Antbird (Cercomacra nigricans)
• Jet Manakin (Chloropipo unicolor)
• Jobi Manucode (Manucodia jobiensis)
• Jocotoco Antpitta (Grallaria ridgelyi)
• Johanna’s Sunbird (Cinnyris johannae)
• Johannes’s Tody-tyrant (Hemitriccus iohannis)
• Jonquil Parrot (Aprosmictus jonquillaceus)
• Jos Plateau Indigobird (Vidua maryae)
• Josephine’s Lorikeet (Charmosyna josefinae)
• Jouanin’s Petrel (Bulweria fallax)
• Joyful Greenbul (Chlorocichla laetissima)
• Juan Fernández Firecrown (Sephanoides fernandensis)
• Juan Fernández Petrel (Pterodroma externa)
• Juan Fernández Tit-tyrant (Anairetes fernandezianus)
• Juba Weaver (Ploceus dichrocephalus)
• Junco (Junco hyemalis)
• Jungle Babbler (Turdoides striata)
• Jungle Bush Quail (Perdicula asiatica)
• Jungle Fowl (Gallus)
• Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus)
• Jungle Nightjar (Caprimulgus indicus)
• Jungle Owlet (Glaucidium radiatum)
• Jungle Prinia (Prinia sylvatica)
• Junín Canastero (Asthenes virgata)
• Junin Grebe (Podiceps taczanowskii)
• Junin Tapaculo (Scytalopus gettyae)
• Juniper Titmouse (Baeolophus ridgewayi)

Dogs that Start with the letter J

It’s time to roll out the puppy red carpet for this recognizable and adorable breed, the Jack Russell Terrier listed at the very top of the alphabetical list for dogs that start with the letter J.

This cute dog was bred to hunt foxes though, and by the Jack Russell Terrier’s abilities you can clearly see why! This little fella can not only run for long strides of time and even wait patiently for hours on end while hunting, and these pups can jump up to 5ft high! ⁽⁶⁾

Who says a little dog doesn’t have hops?!

• Jack Russell Terrier
• Jagdterrier
• Japanese Chin
• Japanese Spitz
• Japanese Terrier
• Jindo
• Jonangi

Fish that Start with the letter J

Although Jellyfish aren’t technically fish because they are inverterbates, they are so incredibly unique that they don’t land in any of the specific animal categories. ⁽⁷⁾ And, well, when you learn about animals that start with letter J it’s hard not to bring up a Jellyfish, so let’s talk about them here and now!

And when one brings up Jellyfish it’s almost even more impossible to either think about the hit Pixar movie Finding Nemo, or the Immortal Jellyfish. Other Jellyfish have the ability to reproduce either with mates or asexually, and this Jellyfish pulls all the stops by being able to somehow reverse it’s aging. This is called Transdifferentiation and it is incredibly rare, this is the only species known to be able to undergo this process. ⁽⁷⁾

See one of these legendary Jellyfish swimming about for yourself in this jellyfish video!

• Jackfish (Caranx hippos)
• Jack Dempsey (Rocio octofasciata)
• Japanese Eel (Anguilla japonica)
• Javelin (Coelorinchus australis)
• Jawfish (Opistognathidae)
• Jellynose Fish (Ateleopodidae)
• Jewelfish (Hemichromis bimaculatus)
• Jewel Tetra (Hyphessobrycon eques)
• Jewfish (Argyrosomus japonicus)
• John Dory (Zeus faber)

Insects & Spiders that Start with the letter J

There are insects and spiders that start with the letter J all over, but from the wide open plains of Texas all the way to the mountains of Montana and a handful of other states the pretty Juniper Hairstreak Butterfly floats about. From it’s early days as a caterpillar the prominent green color it is known for is present, and continues to flourish as it develops into a soaring butterfly. Once they are a butterfly their go to snacks are flower nectar from the beautiful California Juniper, Utah Juniper, and the Redcedar plants. ⁽⁹⁾ Looks like we figured out how this butterfly got its name!

• Jack Jumper Ant (Myrmecia pilosula)
• Jade Beetle (Popillia japonica)
• Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica)
• Jar Fly (Calliphoridae)
• Jewel Wasp (Ampulex compressa)
• Jerusalem Cricket (Stenopelmatini)
• Jumping Spiders (Salticidae)
• June Bug (Melolonthinae)
• Juniper Hairstreak Butterfly (Callophrys gryneus)

Mammals that Start with the letter J

Make way for the earth’s 3rd largest cat on this list of mammals that start with the letter J, it is the striking, mighty, and stunning Jaguar. ⁽¹⁰⁾

These majestic creatures can be intimidating as they are powerful and have a ferocious roar, but would you guess they are also quite the swimmers? That’s right! This big cat isn’t afraid of a little water, in fact they quite enjoy it and utilizing the water as a means to get to other sides of land they’d like to be on is one of their specialties. ⁽¹⁰⁾

• Ja Slit-faced Bat (Nycteris major)
• Jackals (Canis aureus)
• Jackrabbit (Lepus)
• Jackson’s Fat Mouse (Steatomys jacksoni)
• Jackson’s Mongoose (Bdeogale jacksoni)
• Jackson’s Shrew (Crocidura jacksoni)
• Jackson’s Soft-furred Mouse (Praomys jacksoni)
• Jaguar (Panthera onca)
• Jaguarundi (Puma yagouaroundi)
• Jalapan Pine Vole (Microtus quasiater)
• Jaliscan Cotton Rat (Sigmodon mascotensis)
• Jaliscan Spiny Pocket Mouse (Liomys spectabilis)
• Jamaican Fig-eating Bat (Ariteus flavescens)
• Jamaican Flower Bat (Phyllonycteris aphylla)
• Jamaican Fruit-eating Bat (Artibeus jamaicensis)
• James’s Gerbil (Dipodillus jamesi)
• Jameson’s Red Rock Hare (Pronolagus randensis)
• Japanese Dormouse (Glirulus japonicus)
• Japanese Flying Squirrel (Pteromys momonga)
• Japanese Giant Flying Squirrel (Petaurista leucogenys)
• Japanese Grass Vole (Microtus montebelli)
• Japanese Hare (Lepus brachyurus)
• Japanese Macaque (Macaca fuscata)
• Japanese Squirrel (Sciurus lis)
• Javan Ferret-badger (Melogale orientalis)
• Javan Pig (Sus verrucosus)
• Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus)
• Jerboa (Jaculus)
• Jungle Cat (Felis chaus)

Reptiles that Start with the letter J

Check out the horns on that reptile! The Jackson’s Chameleon species is especially known for its triceratops-like appearance, although only the males of these reptiles have the distinguished horns as they use them to protect their own territory which would be the treetops. As for the female Jackson’s Chameleons, they are unique and set a part from most reptiles as well. These females actually don’t lay eggs like other female reptiles, instead they are carried inside of the mother and then she gives birth to them. Sort of like us people! But, unlike humans, the mother does not assist her babies with finding food, the babies are on their own. ⁽¹¹⁾ Talk about tough love!

• Jackson’s Chameleon (Chamaeleo jacksonii)
• Jamaican Boa (Epicrates subflavus)
• Japanese Rat Snake (Elaphe climacophora)
• Jeweled Lacerta (Timon lepidus)

Keep the fun boat floating and rocking with learning more about different animals throughout our page and also checking out the fun and free Animal Coloring Sheets that are available! There’s much to be explored, learned, and colored, and you can be a part of it all.

Footnotes

1) “Genus”, Dictionary.com, https://www.dictionary.com/browse/genus (accessed 07/19/2022)
2) “Species”, Dictionary.com, https://www.dictionary.com/browse/species (accessed 07/19/2022)

3) “Japanese giant salamander.” Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conservation Biology Institute . Accessed July 19, 2022. https://nationalzoo.si.edu/animals/japanese-giant-salamander.

4) “Jamaican Owl.” The Peregrine Fund. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://www.peregrinefund.org/explore-raptors-species/owls/jamaican-owl.

5) Team, Kidadl. “Fun Jamaican Owl Facts For Kids.” Kidadl. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://kidadl.com/facts/animals/jamaican-owl-facts.

6) “5 Things You Didn’t Know About Jack Russell Terriers.” Pet Health Zone. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://www.petinsurance.com/healthzone/pet-breeds/dog-breeds/5-things-you-didnt-know-about-jack-russell-terriers/.

7) “Jellyfish 101.” YouTube. Last modified , 2018. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://youtu.be/9z8ujpPgUjI.

8) “transdifferentiation.” Oxford Languages. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://www.google.com/search?q=transdifferentiation+definition&rlz=1C1CHBD_enUS887US887&sxsrf=ALiCzsYwfUVDuAO_O91_jAmi0v1tEAF3aw%3A1658257900319&ei=7AHXYv-CE9KJptQPkZGcsAo&oq=Transdifferentiation+def.

9) “Juniper Hairstreak (Callophrys gryneus).” Butterfly Identification. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://www.butterflyidentification.com/juniper-hairstreak.htm.

10) “TOP 10 FACTS ABOUT JAGUARS.” WWF. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://www.wwf.org.uk/learn/fascinating-facts/jaguars.

11) “jackson’s chameleon.” San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance. Accessed July 19, 2022. https://sdzwildlifeexplorers.org/animals/jacksons-chameleon.