Dragonfly: Overview, Anatomy, Life Cycle, Habitat and Evolution Dragonfly Dragonflies are fast, predatory insects of the order Odonata. This article covers their anatomy, life cycle, habitats, ecological role, and ancient history, with clear distinctions…
Dreadnoughtus: Giant titanosaur from the Late Cretaceous of Argentina Dreadnoughtus Dreadnoughtus is a colossal titanosaurian sauropod known from a large, partially complete skeleton found in Late Cretaceous deposits of Argentina; notable for its size estimates an…
Drinker (dinosaur): a small North American herbivore Drinker Drinker is a genus of small herbivorous ornithischian dinosaur known from fragmentary remains in North America, about 1 m long, named in honor of paleontologist Edward Drinker Cope…
Dromaeosauridae (Raptors): Feathered, Predatory Theropods Dromaeosauridae Dromaeosauridae are a family of small-to-medium feathered theropod dinosaurs known for sickle claws, stiff tails, and bird-like traits; they were widespread during the Jurassic and…
Dromornis — extinct giant flightless birds of Australia Dromornis Dromornis is a genus of large, extinct flightless birds from Australia known for massive skulls and powerful beaks. Lived in the late Miocene–early Pliocene; diet and lifestyle rem…
Drosophila obscura: common European fruit fly (obscura species group) Drosophila obscura Overview of Drosophila obscura, a widespread European fruit fly: appearance, lifecycle, habitats, taxonomy within the obscura species group, and its role in ecological and evolutio…
Drosophila pseudoobscura: a model for natural population genetics and speciation Drosophila pseudoobscura Drosophila pseudoobscura, a fruit fly species widely used in population genetics and speciation research, notable for chromosomal inversions, laboratory evolution studies, and its…
Drosophila simulans A species of fruit fly closely related to Drosophila melanogaster, important in genetics and speciation research for its reproductive isolation and close relationship with island e…
Drosophila subobscura — a Palearctic fruit fly used in evolutionary studies Drosophila subobscura A species of fruit fly in the family Drosophilidae, originally Mediterranean; now widespread in Europe and introduced to western North and South America. Important in studies of ch…
Drosophilinae: diversity, taxonomy, evolution and scientific importance Drosophilinae Comprehensive overview of the Drosophilinae (fruit flies): morphology, ecology, taxonomic challenges (paraphyly of Drosophila), evolutionary and genomic insights, roles in research…
Dryophytes gratiosus — barking treefrog Dryophytes gratiosus An overview of Dryophytes gratiosus, the barking treefrog of the southeastern United States: appearance, range, behavior, breeding, conservation, and distinguishing features.
Dryosauridae — small basal iguanodont ornithopods Dryosauridae Dryosauridae were small, agile, bipedal herbivores related to iguanodonts, known from Jurassic–Early Cretaceous rocks in Africa, Europe and North America and important for understa…
Dryosaurus — small herbivorous ornithopod of the Late Jurassic Dryosaurus Dryosaurus was a lightly built, fast-running plant-eating ornithopod from western North America about 150 million years ago; its family gave rise to later iguanodontians.
Dryptosaurus — a Late Cretaceous tyrannosauroid from eastern North America Dryptosaurus Dryptosaurus, originally named Laelaps, is a genus of theropod dinosaur from Upper Cretaceous strata of eastern North America, known from partial remains and noted for large hand c…
Dsungaripterus: the upturned-beaked pterosaur of the Junggar Basin Dsungaripterus Dsungaripterus, a dsungaripterid pterosaur from China, had an upturned, toothless front beak, robust rear crushing teeth and a distinctive bony crest—adaptations for feeding on har…
Dubreuillosaurus Dubreuillosaurus is a mid-sized megalosaurid theropod from Middle Jurassic France, known from partial skeletons. It is closely related to Afrovenator and is comparable in build to…
Duchess lorikeet (Charmosyna margarethae) Duchess lorikeet A nectar-feeding parrot of the Psittaculidae family found on Bougainville and the Solomon Islands; inhabits moist lowland and montane forests and plantations and is affected by hab…
Duck (Anatidae): biology, behavior, and human interactions Duck Ducks are waterbirds in the family Anatidae. This article covers their classification, anatomy, feeding, life cycle, migration, distribution, domestication, and conservation in acc…
Dugong (Dugong dugon) Dugong A marine herbivore of warm coastal waters, the dugong is a slow-moving sea mammal that feeds on seagrass and is closely related to manatees and elephants. This article covers appea…
Duke Lemur Center A sanctuary and research center at Duke University housing diverse lemur and loris species; focused on conservation, noninvasive research, breeding and public education by appointm…
Dung beetle: ecology, behavior, taxonomy and human significance Dung beetle Dung beetles are scarab beetles that feed on mammal feces. They play key ecological roles—recycling nutrients, reducing pests, and aerating soil—and show diverse behaviors and rema…
Duquesney's galliwasp (Celestus duquesneyi) Duquesney's galliwasp Duquesney's galliwasp is a secretive, blue‑tailed lizard endemic to Jamaica. A member of the Anguidae family, it lives in leaf litter and under logs and is vulnerable to habitat lo…
Duriavenator — a Middle Jurassic tetanuran theropod from Dorset Duriavenator Duriavenator is an early tetanuran theropod from the Middle Jurassic of Dorset, known from incomplete cranial remains. It clarifies early tetanuran evolution and was once placed in…
Dusty the Klepto Kitty: Snowshoe Cat Known for Collecting Neighbors' Items Dusty the Klepto Kitty Dusty the Klepto Kitty is a Snowshoe cat that gained attention in 2011 for repeatedly bringing home many household items. His story illustrates feline gift-giving, roaming behavior…
Duttaphrynus: a genus of Asian true toads Duttaphrynus Duttaphrynus is a genus of true toads native to much of South and Southeast Asia and parts of China. This article covers appearance, range, taxonomy, ecology and conservation.
Duttaphrynus himalayanus — Himalayan toad Duttaphrynus himalayanus A concise overview of Duttaphrynus himalayanus, the Himalayan toad: appearance, habitat in the Himalayan region, behavior, taxonomy and conservation considerations.
Duttaphrynus melanostictus — Common Asian (Indian) Toad Duttaphrynus melanostictus A widespread, adaptable toad of South and Southeast Asia. Known for warty skin, monsoon breeding, black tadpoles and a role in controlling insects; generally common and not threate…
Duttaphrynus olivaceus — the olive (Baluchistan) toad Duttaphrynus olivaceus A medium-sized toad of the family Bufonidae native to Iran, Pakistan and possibly Afghanistan; inhabits dry woodlands, shrubland and human-altered wetlands and breeds in standing w…
Duttaphrynus stomaticus — the Indus Valley (marbled) toad Duttaphrynus stomaticus A neutral overview of Duttaphrynus stomaticus, a marbled toad native to the Indus Valley region: appearance, habitat, behaviour, range, reproduction and its cultural status in Paki…
Dwarf elephant (insular proboscideans) Dwarf elephant Small, island-adapted proboscideans that evolved through island dwarfism during the Pleistocene; known from Mediterranean and Southeast Asian islands and important for studies of e…
Dwarf hamster: overview, species, care, and distinctions Dwarf hamster Compact overview of dwarf hamsters (genus Phodopus), covering species, appearance, behaviour, care needs, origins, and how they differ from larger hamsters like the Syrian hamster.
Dysalotosaurus: a small Late Jurassic ornithopod Dysalotosaurus Dysalotosaurus was a small bipedal ornithopod from the Late Jurassic of East Africa, known from many specimens and important for studies of growth, behavior, and tooth function.
Dytiscidae — predaceous diving beetles Dytiscidae Family of aquatic predatory beetles (predaceous diving beetles) with ~4,000 species in 160+ genera; streamlined swimmers with fringed hind legs. Larvae are called 'water tigers'.
Eagle: large diurnal birds of prey — overview, biology and conservation Eagle Eagles are large daytime birds of prey found worldwide. This article explains their traits, classification, notable species, behavior, human relationships and conservation challeng…
Eagle ray Eagle rays are large, open-water cartilaginous fishes of the family Myliobatidae, known for diamond-shaped discs, long whip-like tails and shell-crushing teeth; they play roles in…
Eared dove (Zenaida auriculata): overview, behaviour and distribution Eared dove A medium-sized New World dove found across much of South America. Coverage includes identification, range, habitat, breeding, ecology and interactions with people.
Otariidae — Eared Seals (Sea Lions and Fur Seals): Biology, Distribution, and Conservation Eared seal Comprehensive overview of Otariidae (eared seals): sea lions and fur seals — biology, behavior, global distribution, feeding, reproduction, and conservation status.
Earless seals (Phocidae) Earless seal Earless seals, or true seals (Phocidae), are a family of pinnipeds adapted to aquatic life. They lack external ear flaps, use hind flippers for propulsion, and include about 18 spe…
Earthworm: anatomy, diversity, ecology and human uses Earthworm Overview of earthworms: segmented annelids that live in soil worldwide, their anatomy, diversity, life cycle, ecological roles, and interactions with humans.
Earwig (Dermaptera): appearance, biology, and interactions with people Earwig Earwigs are small to medium nocturnal insects (order Dermaptera) known for pincer-like cerci, folded wings, maternal care, and largely harmless habits. Overview of form, life cycle…
Eastern black rhinoceros (Diceros bicornis michaeli) Eastern black rhinoceros Critically endangered East African subspecies of black rhino, adapted to woodland and scrub. Faces severe threats from poaching and habitat loss; conservation depends on protection…
Eastern black-and-white colobus (mantled guereza) Eastern black-and-white colobus A medium-sized, arboreal African monkey (Colobus guereza) known for its black-and-white mantle, folivorous diet aided by a complex stomach, social groups, and wide but patchy fores…
Eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) — overview, identification, and conservation Eastern bluebird The eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) is a small North American thrush known for bright blue upperparts and a warm reddish breast; this article summarizes identification, habitat, b…
Eastern cottontail (Sylvilagus floridanus) Eastern cottontail Common North American rabbit species noted for its white tail, adaptable habitat, prolific breeding, and role as an important prey species in many ecosystems.
Eastern diamondback rattlesnake (Crotalus adamanteus) Eastern diamondback rattlesnake Large venomous pit viper of the southeastern United States, known for its diamond pattern, stout build and distinctive rattle; an important predator facing regional declines from h…
Eastern gorilla (Gorilla beringei) Eastern gorilla The eastern gorilla is a critically endangered African ape species, the largest living primate, with two subspecies (mountain and Grauer's). Threats include habitat loss, poaching…
Eastern grey kangaroo Large Australian marsupial (Macropus giganteus) found across eastern and southern mainland Australia; known for hopping locomotion, grazing diet, pouch-borne young and social 'mob'…
Eastern long‑beaked echidna (Zaglossus bartoni) Eastern long-beaked echidna A large, highland monotreme endemic to New Guinea, Zaglossus bartoni is a slow‑moving, egg‑laying mammal with a long snout, specialized for feeding on earthworms; several isolated…
