39 Animals That Start With M (Facts, Habitats & Photos)

Animals that start with M include the deadliest creature on earth and one of the few that recognises itself in a mirror. Monkeys, moose, meerkats, manatees and mambas are all here — along with the mosquito, which kills more people annually than every large predator combined.

This guide covers 39 animals beginning with M, with scientific names, animal group, where each lives and what makes it distinctive.

Animals Starting With M: Complete List

Mammals

Moose

The largest deer alive, standing over two metres at the shoulder with antlers spanning nearly the same. Those antlers are shed and regrown every year — among the fastest-growing tissue of any animal — and they function partly as sound reflectors, funnelling noise toward the ears. Moose are strong swimmers that dive several metres for aquatic plants and can close their nostrils underwater. Despite the bulk they are among the more dangerous large animals to approach, particularly cows with calves.

Manatee

Manatees are more closely related to elephants than to any marine mammal, and they share a rare trait: teeth that are continuously replaced throughout life, worn front teeth falling out as new ones migrate forward. They are entirely herbivorous, eating up to a tenth of their body weight in vegetation daily, and have very little body fat despite the shape, which is why cold snaps kill them.

Meerkat

Meerkat groups post a sentry that watches for predators while the rest forage, giving different alarm calls for aerial and ground threats. The sentry role rotates, and a meerkat on duty eats less. Dark patches around the eyes cut glare like an athlete’s eye black, and they are largely immune to scorpion venom, teaching pups to handle scorpions by first removing the sting.

Mole

The star-nosed mole has 22 fleshy tentacles around its snout carrying over 100,000 nerve fibres — roughly six times the sensory nerves in a human hand — making it the most sensitive touch organ known in any mammal. It identifies and eats prey in under a quarter of a second, the fastest recorded feeding of any mammal. It is also one of the few mammals able to smell underwater, by exhaling bubbles and re-inhaling them.

Mongoose

Mongooses carry mutations in their acetylcholine receptors that prevent cobra venom from binding effectively, giving them substantial resistance. That resistance is not immunity — a large enough dose still kills — and their real advantage in a fight is speed and a thick coat. The same receptor adaptation has evolved separately in honey badgers and hedgehogs.

Mandrill

The largest monkey in the world, and the most vividly coloured mammal. The red and blue on a male’s face and rump is testosterone-driven and signals rank: dominant males are markedly brighter, and colour fades within days if a male loses status. Mandrills live in some of the largest primate groups recorded, occasionally exceeding several hundred.

Margay

A small spotted cat of Central and South American forest that can rotate its ankles a full 180 degrees, letting it run down tree trunks headfirst and hang from a branch by one hind foot. It has also been recorded mimicking the calls of infant tamarins to lure adults within reach — one of very few documented cases of vocal mimicry by a wild cat.

Mule

A mule is the offspring of a male donkey and a female horse, and is almost always sterile because it inherits 63 chromosomes — an odd number that cannot pair evenly during reproduction. Mules combine equine size with donkey endurance, sure-footedness and self-preservation, which is why they were preferred over horses for mountain work.

Musk Ox

When threatened, musk oxen form a defensive ring with horns outward and calves in the centre — highly effective against wolves and disastrously ineffective against rifles, which nearly exterminated them. Their underwool, qiviut, is among the warmest natural fibres known, roughly eight times warmer than sheep’s wool by weight.

Birds

Magpie

The Eurasian magpie is one of very few non-mammals to pass the mirror self-recognition test, attempting to remove a coloured mark visible only in reflection — evidence of self-awareness previously thought limited to great apes, dolphins and elephants. Magpies also hold what look like funerals, gathering around a dead individual. The belief that they steal shiny objects has been tested experimentally and appears to be largely a myth.

Mallard

Almost every domestic duck breed descends from the mallard. Males lose their bright plumage after breeding, moulting into drab “eclipse” plumage while flightless. Mallards hybridise readily with other duck species, which is a real conservation problem for local ducks whose gene pools they swamp.

Fish and Reptiles

Manta Ray

Mantas have the largest brain-to-body ratio of any fish, with regions associated with learning and problem-solving, and they appear to recognise themselves in mirrors. They are filter feeders taking plankton through cephalic fins that funnel water to the mouth, and they visit cleaning stations on reefs where small fish remove parasites — returning to the same stations repeatedly.

Moray Eel

Morays have a second set of jaws — pharyngeal jaws housed in the throat — which lunge forward into the mouth to grip prey and drag it back down. No other vertebrate feeds this way. The constant open-mouthed gaping is not aggression but respiration; they must pump water over their gills continuously.

Mudskipper

A fish that spends most of its time out of water, breathing through its skin and the lining of its mouth and throat as long as both stay wet. It walks on modified pectoral fins, can climb roots and low branches, and defends territory on the mud surface.

Mamba

Four species of fast, slender African snake. The black mamba is named for the ink-black inside of its mouth rather than its body colour, which is grey-brown, and it is the fastest snake in the world at up to 20 km/h.

Invertebrates

Mosquito

The mosquito kills more people than any other animal — several hundred thousand deaths a year — not through its bite but as a vector for malaria, dengue, yellow fever, Zika, chikungunya and West Nile virus. Only females bite, needing blood protein to develop eggs; both sexes otherwise feed on nectar.

Monarch Butterfly

The North American monarch migration spans up to 4,000 km and takes several generations — no individual completes the round trip, yet each autumn a “super generation” that lives eight months rather than the usual weeks flies to overwintering sites in Mexico it has never seen. Monarch caterpillars eat only milkweed, sequestering its cardiac glycosides so both caterpillar and adult are toxic to predators.

Millipede

No millipede has a thousand legs; most have between 60 and 400, though one deep-soil species found in Australia in 2021 was the first ever recorded exceeding 1,000. They have two pairs of legs per body segment, unlike centipedes, which have one. Millipedes are detritivores and harmless, though many secrete defensive chemicals that can stain or irritate skin.

Rare and Prehistoric Species

Macaque

There are more than 20 Old World monkeys in the macaque family (that is, monkeys native to the eastern hemisphere). They are charismatic primates by nature, with extremely complex social structures and behavior. Numerous species have adapted to coexist with and close to humans, which has resulted in frequent encounters. The lion-tailed macaque, the crab-eating macaque, and the rhesus monkey are the three most well-known species.The macaque is a medium-sized monkey that typically measures 28 inches and weighs 0 pounds. It has nostrils on its upper surface and a slightly long, rounded nose. Although males are typically larger than females, it can be challenging to distinguish between them. Typically, the coat is scanty around the face and pale brown or even black in color. It is simple to climb trees since the arms are practically as big as the legs.

Macaroni Penguin

Antarctica and the Antarctic Peninsula are home to macaroni penguins. They consume fish, squid, krill, and a few crustaceans. These birds live in enormous colonies with millions of penguins. They have a brilliant orange crest or feather on their head and are black and white. The macaroni penguin’s official conservation status is fragile.The white feathers on the chest and the black feathers on the back, neck, and head give these penguins the classic appearance of a penguin. He also has an orange feathered crest on his head and a crimson beak. The king penguin and this penguin seem remarkably similar. The Fiordland crested penguin, the southern rock penguin, the Snares penguin, the upright penguin, and the northern rock penguin are the other five members of a group of six crested penguins.These penguins swim in the ocean occasionally. Their tail serves as a rudder to guide them in the right direction, while their webbed feet aid in swimming. When macaroni penguins are on land, they must move via cliffs, sandy areas, and rocky terrain. Additionally, they can jump over rocks or stroll over them thanks to their webbed feet.

Macaw

There are currently about 17 different subspecies that exist both in the wild and in captivity. The family Psittacidae, which means “real parrots,” includes all of these species. The two subfamilies of this parrot family, Psittacinae and Arinae, or Old World and New World parrots, respectively, are further broken down.The grey parrot, the Cape parrot, and the Senegal parrot are three ancient parrot species that are primarily found in Africa. In contrast, the six subspecies of New World parrots are found in Mexico, Brazil, Honduras, and other Central and South American nations. The scarlet macaw, blue and golden macaw, green macaw, red-shouldered or Hahn’s macaw, and spider macaw are some examples of these birds.They all have dazzling feathers that come in a variety of green, blue, yellow, gold, and red colors, unlike their Old World cousins. Even while those hues are highly vivid and seductive to people, they enable macaws to blend in with the woodlands they call home and the lush greenery of the Amazon jungle.

Machaeroides

There were two subspecies of the genus Machaeroides: M. eothen and M. simpsoni. The word “dagger-like” in the genus name Machaeroides alludes to the distinctive teeth of this prehistoric predator.Despite not being closely related to big cats or saber-toothed tigers, these creatures had sabre teeth. Cats and dogs belonged to the order of carnivores, whereas Machaeroides belonged to the order Oxyaenodonta.Despite the fact that both Oxyaenodonta and its sibling species Hyaenodonta are no longer extant, they were both branches of the mammalian order. The terms “hyena teeth” and “sharp hyena” respectively are oxyaenodonta and hyaenodonta. The two animal classes were fairly similar to one another and each would have creatures that resembled hyenas somewhat.The term “sword” refers to a huge sword that was once employed by cavalry or other military units. Therefore, two very big canine teeth are present in every member of the saber-toothed family. Also, you have fangs (they are the sharpest in the mouth).With its huge fangs sticking out of its mouth disproportionally far from its body, Machaeroides was undoubtedly a member of the hall of sabres. The goal of the enormous fangs would have been to pierce the prey’s flesh deeply.

Mackenzie Wolf

Their muscular necks and jaws can easily dispatch even the largest prey, but their grey and white fur keep them warm and concealed from any hunts (such as bison and bulls). Because only the strongest partner is selected to be the alpha for reproducing, the urge to maintain that top position as a hunter is deep in their instincts.Wolves can still be attacked when hunting by bears and other wolves despite their superior hunting skills.The Mackenzie wolf has a totally different appearance. After all, many domestic dogs are descended from wolves. They are able to endure the arduous winters in the Northwestern United States and Canada because to their robust but thick fur.Although their coat can occasionally be white, grey and black are the most typical hues. Depending on where they need to be hidden, they are also offered in blue and brown. They may conceal in groups, sometimes known as herds, in the forested areas thanks to their multicolored look.

Macrauchenia

A genus of camel-like mammals in the order Litopterna is known as Macrauchenia. From the Late Miocene through the Late Pleistocene, this mysterious ungulate inhabited South America. Between 20,000 and 10,000 years ago, it went extinct. Scientists had a little trouble classifying this mammal because of its peculiar appearance.Macraucheenia had nostrils on the head, above and between the eyes, unlike the majority of mammals. The retracted nostril was first assumed to function as a breathing tube, much like how whales breathe. Later research disproved this notion. Another notion put out by experts contends that the animal had a filled or bread-like body and that the retracted nostril indicates this.Retracted nostrils might have been better suitable for eating, according to more recent research. The most effective browsers were Macrauchenia and other Litopterns. They consume tough, prickly vegetation. When grasping for leaves, their retractable nostrils would have prevented whiplash to their noses.

Madagascar Hissing Cockroach

One of the most fascinating cockroach species in the world, Madagascar hissing cockroaches make excellent pets as well. The island of Madagascar, which is off the coast of Africa, is home to about 20 species of hissing cockroaches, but researchers think there may be more.When you hear the word “cockroach,” you might picture the dirty, crawling pests that infest our kitchens and basements. But Madagascar hissing cockroaches are distinct from other cockroach species in that they don’t infiltrate dwellings and aren’t regarded as pests. Less than 50 of the world’s almost 5,000 species of cockroaches are really recognised as pests.Despite having its origins on the island of Madagascar, the Madagascar hissing cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa) may now be found in zoos and private residences all over the world. They are very well-liked as pets because of their sweetness and amusing hiss. There may be multiple species, but only the portentosa has become well-known among fans of entomology and popular culture.

Madagascar Jacana

A tropical wading bird that is unique to the island of Madagascar off the coast of South Africa is called a Madagascar jacana (Actophilornis albinucha). They resemble the African species in appearance and are sharply separated. This bird wanders over floating vegetation throughout the day in quest of insects. Because of illicit hunting and the destruction of wetlands, this jacana species is threatened with extinction. Discover all the amazing details of this endangered species, including its habitat, diet, and behaviour.Madagascar, an island in the Indian Ocean off the coast of South Africa, is the only place where the Madagascar Jakana can be found. It inhabits Madagascar’s north and west but is absent or scarce throughout the island’s middle, southern, and eastern regions. It inhabits freshwater marshes that have an abundance of aquatic plants, particularly water lilies. Additionally, this species can be found in rivers, marshes, lakes, and ponds. As you cross the pond, keep an eye out for it and listen for its loud screams.

Madagascar Tree Boa

The stunning, non-venomous Madagascar pubo has a vivid red background colour that changes to green as it gets older. This medium-sized boa constrictor consumes a range of rodents, small animals, birds, lizards, and eggs while sleeping in trees.only on the Madagascar island. But unlike what its name says, it is not entirely made of wood. This snake spends a lot of time searching for its next meal on the ground. Sanzinia and Acrantophis are two of the boa genera found in Madagascar. The Madagascar tree boo (S. madagascariensis), which is not a member of the Acrantophis genus, spends more time in trees.The majority of the time, they rest in trees, therefore you may frequently see trees curled up around a branch throughout the day.They awaken at night and begin their search for food. and engages in rural hunting. The arid areas of the island are avoided by this boa, which prefers woods with trees and plants close to rivers, streams, and swamps.

Frequently Asked Questions

What animals start with the letter M?

Thirty-nine are covered here, including monkey, mouse, moose, meerkat, manatee, mole, mongoose, mandrill, marmot, mink, mule, muskrat, magpie, mallard, manta ray, mackerel, marlin, mudskipper, moray eel, mamba, monitor lizard, monarch butterfly, moth, mosquito, millipede, mussel, mountain goat, musk ox, markhor and margay, plus macaque, macaw, Mackenzie wolf and prehistoric species.

What is the deadliest animal starting with M?

The mosquito, and by an enormous margin — it causes several hundred thousand human deaths a year as a disease vector. The black mamba is the most dangerous by venom, but affects vastly fewer people.

Why is the black mamba called black?

For the ink-black lining of its mouth, which it gapes as a threat display. The body itself is grey or olive-brown, not black.

Do millipedes really have a thousand legs?

Almost never. Most have 60 to 400. One species discovered in Australia in 2021 was the first ever documented with more than 1,000 legs. The name is aspirational rather than accurate.

Are mongooses immune to snake venom?

Resistant rather than immune. Mutations in their acetylcholine receptors stop cobra venom binding effectively, but a sufficient dose still kills them. Speed and a thick coat matter as much as biochemistry in an actual fight.

Why are mules sterile?

Because a horse has 64 chromosomes and a donkey 62, so a mule inherits 63. That odd number cannot pair evenly during reproduction, so viable sex cells almost never form. A handful of fertile female mules have been documented, but they are extraordinarily rare.

Sources

Classifications and distributions follow current taxonomic references. Mosquito-borne disease burden and prevention: World Health Organization guidance. Snakebite first aid: emergency medicine guidance. Magpie mirror self-recognition and star-nosed mole sensory anatomy: peer-reviewed research literature.

This article is for general information. Do not handle wild animals, and treat any venomous snakebite as a medical emergency.

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