230+ Animals that Live in the Rainforest

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In fairytales that I read as a kid, rainforests were always portrayed as magical destinations to explore. As an adult, I’ve discovered that rainforests are even cooler than a storybook. Some of the creatures that live in the rainforest are jaw-dropping. So, it’s natural to wonder about what types of animals live in the rainforest.

I’ve pulled together a list of 234 animals that live in the rainforest. You can peruse the list or skip straight to the highlights of my favorite animals that live in the rainforest.

List of 230+ Animals that Live in the Rainforest

I’ve broken down my list of 234 animals that live in the rainforest into different types of animals. For example, you’ll find birds, mammals, and more broken into different categories.

Here’s a quick summary of how many of each type of animal you’ll find on my list:

  • Mammals: 26
  • Birds: 59
  • Reptiles: 36
  • Amphibians: 52
  • Fish: 17
  • Invertebrates: 44

That’s a grand total of 234 animals that live in the rainforest.

Mammals: 26 Animals that Live in the Rainforest

Many marvelous mammals live in the rainforest. Below is a closer look at some of those critters.

Sloth.
  1. Jaguar (Panthera onca). A large and powerful big cat known for its strength and agility.
  2. Howler Monkey (Alouatta spp.). Known for their distinctive howling vocalizations, howler monkeys are arboreal primates.
  3. Gorilla (Gorilla spp.). The largest living primates, gorillas inhabit rainforests in Africa.
  4. Tiger (Panthera tigris). Tigers, although not exclusive to rainforests, can live in rainforest.
  5. Orangutan (Pongo spp.). Arboreal great apes native to the rainforests of Borneo and Sumatra.
  6. Sloth (Various species). Sloths, including the three-toed and two-toed varieties, possess slow movements and an arboreal lifestyle.
  7. Tapir (Various species). Tapirs are large herbivorous mammals found in rainforests, known for their unique trunk-like nose.
  8. Capuchin Monkey (Cebus spp.). Small, intelligent monkeys with prehensile tails, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  9. Okapi (Okapia johnstoni). A forest giraffe native to the rainforests of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
  10. Pygmy Elephant (Elephas maximus borneensis). A smaller subspecies of Asian elephant found in the rainforests of Borneo.
  11. Tree Kangaroo (Various species). Arboreal kangaroos adapted to life in trees, found in rainforests of Australia and New Guinea.
  12. Siamang Gibbon (Symphalangus syndactylus). Known for their distinctive vocalizations, siamangs are large, black-furred gibbons found in Southeast Asian rainforests.
  13. Aye-Aye (Daubentonia madagascariensis). A unique lemur species from Madagascar with a specialized long middle finger for extracting insects from tree bark.
  14. Capybara (Hydrochoerus hydrochaeris). These are the largest rodents in the world and live in the rainforests of South America.
  15. Anteater (Various species). Anteaters, including the giant anteater and tamandua, are insectivorous mammals found in Central and South American rainforests.
  16. Bengal Slow Loris (Nycticebus bengalensis). Nocturnal primates with large eyes, found in Southeast Asian rainforests.
  17. Red Howler Monkey (Alouatta seniculus). Another species of howler monkey, recognized for their vibrant reddish fur.
  18. Agouti (Various species). Medium-sized rodents found in Central and South American rainforests.
  19. Kinkajou (Potos flavus). A nocturnal mammal with prehensile tail, native to Central and South America.
  20. Fossa (Cryptoprocta ferox). A carnivorous mammal related to the mongoose, found in the rainforests of Madagascar.
  21. Spider Monkey (Ateles spp.). Spider monkeys are arboreal primates live in Central and South American rainforests. They have long limbs and a prehensile tail
  22. Margay (Leopardus wiedii). A small wild cat with a spotted coat, the margay is a skilled tree climber found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  23. Golden Lion Tamarin (Leontopithecus rosalia). A small, brightly colored monkey native to the Atlantic coastal rainforests of Brazil.
  24. Binturong (Arctictis binturong). Also known as the bearcat, the binturong is a large, nocturnal mammal with a prehensile tail found in Southeast Asian rainforests.
  25. Amazonian manatee (Trichechus inunguis). Aquatic mammals, manatees can live in rivers and estuaries within rainforest regions, particularly in Central and South America.
  26. Javan Rhinoceros (Rhinoceros sondaicus). One of the rarest rhinoceros species, found in the rainforests of Java and Sumatra. Unfortunately, only around 70 are left in the wild, according to the World Wildlife Foundation.

Birds: 59 Animals that Live in the Rainforest

Blue-crowned parakeet.
  1. Harpy Eagle (Harpia harpyja). A powerful and large eagle species found in Central and South American rainforests, known for its striking appearance.
  2. Toucan (Various species). Known for their large, colorful bills, toucans inhabit the canopy of rainforests in Central and South America.
  3. Parrot (Various species). The diverse species of parrots boast vibrant plumage and strong vocal abilities.
  4. Hornbill (Various species). Characterized by their unique bills, hornbills live in the rainforests of Africa and Asia.
  5. Quetzal (Various species). Renowned for their beautiful, iridescent plumage, quetzals live in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  6. Cassowary (Genus Casuarius). Large, flightless birds with distinctive helmet-like casques, cassowaries are native to the rainforests of New Guinea and northern Australia.
  7. Kingfisher (Various species). With their vibrant colors and skilled fishing abilities, kingfishers live in rainforests around the world.
  8. Hummingbird (Various species). Small, iridescent birds known for their rapid wing beats and hovering capabilities, hummingbirds are found in American rainforests.
  9. Pitta (Various species). Colorful and ground-dwelling, pittas are found in rainforests of Asia, Africa, and Australasia.
  10. Oropendola (Psarocolius spp.). Large, colorful birds known for their hanging woven nests, oropendolas inhabit the canopy of Central and South American rainforests.
  11. Trogon (Various species). With their distinctive colors and patterns, trogons are often found in rainforests of Central and South America, Africa, and Asia.
  12. Puffbird (Various species). Stocky, non-migratory birds, puffbirds live in Central and South American rainforests.
  13. Junglefowl (Genus Gallus). Wild relatives of domestic chickens, junglefowl live in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  14. Woodpecker (Various species). Woodpeckers, adapted for climbing trees, live in rainforests globally.
  15. Sunbird (Various species). Small, colorful birds with slender bills, sunbirds live in African and Asian rainforests.
  16. Motmot (Various species). Known for their distinctive racket-shaped tail feathers, motmots inhabit the rainforests of the Americas.
  17. Pigeon (Various species). Diverse species of pigeons, adapted to forest environments, live in rainforests worldwide.
  18. Barbet (Various species). With vibrant plumage and distinctive calls, barbets live in rainforests of Africa, Asia, and the Americas.
  19. Fruit Dove (Various species). Small, colorful doves that feed on fruit, they live in rainforests of Asia, Australia, and the Pacific islands.
  20. Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao): A vibrant, red-colored macaw species live Central and South American rainforests.
  21. Victoria’s Riflebird (Ptiloris victoriae): A bird-of-paradise species live in the rainforests of Australia.
  22. Keel-billed Toucan (Ramphastos sulfuratus): A colorful toucan species live in Central and South American rainforests.
  23. Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota): A motmot species live in the Amazon rainforest known for its distinctive racket-shaped tail feathers.
  24. Blue-crowned Motmot (Momotus coeruliceps): Another motmot species with a blue crown, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  25. Raggiana Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea raggiana): A species of bird-of-paradise found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
  26. Black-capped Kingfisher (Halcyon pileata): A kingfisher species found in rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  27. Gurney’s Pitta (Pitta gurneyi): A ground-dwelling pitta species found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  28. Yellow-faced Myna (Mino dumontii): A colorful starling species found in rainforests of New Guinea.
  29. Sunbittern (Eurypyga helias): A distinctive bird with a striking wing pattern, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  30. Horned Guan (Oreophasis derbianus): A large, turkey-like bird found in cloud forests of Central America.
  31. Rufous Motmot (Baryphthengus martii): A motmot species with rufous plumage, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  32. Blue Manakin (Chiroxiphia caudata): A small, brightly colored bird known for its intricate courtship displays, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  33. Long-tailed Manakin (Chiroxiphia linearis): Another manakin species with a long tail, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  34. Fiery-throated Hummingbird (Panterpe insignis): A colorful hummingbird species found in the cloud forests of Central America.
  35. Long-wattled Umbrellabird (Cephalopterus penduliger): A large, black bird with a distinctive wattle, found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  36. Plum-throated Cotinga (Cotinga maynana): A brightly colored cotinga species found in the Amazon rainforest.
  37. King-of-Saxony Bird-of-paradise (Pteridophora alberti): A bird-of-paradise species found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
  38. Great Argus (Argusianus argus): A pheasant species found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  39. Lyre-tailed Kingfisher (Todiramphus macleayii): A kingfisher species found in the rainforests of New Guinea.
  40. Spangled Cotinga (Cotinga cayana): A cotinga species with vibrant blue plumage, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  41. Sword-billed Hummingbird (Ensifera ensifera): A hummingbird species with an exceptionally long bill, found in the Andean cloud forests.
  42. Banded Pitta (Hydrornis spp.): Various species of pitta, including the Banded Pitta, are found in rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  43. White-rumped Shama (Copsychus malabaricus): A thrush species found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  44. Paradise Tanager (Tangara chilensis): A brilliantly colored tanager species found in the rainforests of South America.
  45. Black-throated Trogon (Trogon rufus): A trogon species found in Central and South American rainforests.
  46. Banded Broadbill (Eurylaimus javanicus): A broadbill species found in rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  47. Red Bird-of-paradise (Paradisaea rubra): A bird-of-paradise species found in the rainforests of the Bird’s Head Peninsula in New Guinea.
  48. Yellow-crowned Amazon (Amazona ochrocephala): A parrot species found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  49. Blue-throated Toucanet (Aulacorhynchus caeruleogularis): A toucanet species found in the cloud forests of South America.
  50. Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus): A small songbird found in the boreal rainforests of North America.
  51. Pale-billed Woodpecker (Campephilus guatemalensis): A large woodpecker species lives in Central and South American rainforests.
  52. Blue-and-yellow Macaw (Ara ararauna): A colorful macaw species lives in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  53. Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda): A jacamar species with a long, slender bill, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  54. Violet Turaco (Musophaga violacea): A turaco species with vibrant violet plumage, live in African rainforests.
  55. Olive-backed Quail-Dove (Leptotrygon veraguensis): A dove species found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  56. Sulphur-crested Cockatoo (Cacatua galerita): A large cockatoo species found in the rainforests of Australia and New Guinea.
  57. Purple Honeycreeper (Cyanerpes caeruleus): A honeycreeper species with vibrant purple and blue plumage, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  58. Red-eyed Vireo (Vireo olivaceus): A small songbird found in the rainforests of North and South America.
  59. Rufous-tailed Jacamar (Galbula ruficauda): A jacamar species with a long, slender bill, found in Central and South American rainforests.

Reptiles: 36 Animals that Live in the Rainforest

Emerald tree boa.
  1. Green Anaconda (Eunectes murinus). One of the largest snake species, the green anaconda lives in the Amazon rainforest.
  2. Emerald Tree Boa (Corallus caninus). A vibrant green snake with a prehensile tail, found in South American rainforests.
  3. Basilisk Lizard (Basiliscus spp.). Known for their ability to run on water, basilisk lizards inhabit Central and South American rainforests.
  4. Panther Chameleon (Furcifer pardalis). Endemic to Madagascar, the panther chameleon has a colorful appearance.
  5. Gharial (Gavialis gangeticus). A long-snouted crocodilian found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  6. Jeweled Lacerta (Timon lepidus). A brightly colored lizard species found in the rainforests of southwestern Europe.
  7. Tokay Gecko (Gekko gecko). A large, nocturnal gecko found in rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  8. Boa Constrictor (Boa constrictor). A non-venomous snake found in various rainforest regions.
  9. Mata Mata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata). A unique-looking turtle with a flattened appearance, found in South American rainforests.
  10. Komodo Dragon (Varanus komodoensis). The world’s largest lizard, found in the rainforests of the Indonesian islands.
  11. Leaf-tailed Gecko (Various species). Camouflaged geckos with flattened bodies, found in rainforests of Madagascar and Australia.
  12. Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus spp.). Legless lizards found in various rainforest regions.
  13. Aldabra Giant Tortoise (Aldabrachelys gigantea). Although primarily found on islands, some rainforest habitats may host these tortoises.
  14. Frilled Dragon (Chlamydosaurus kingii). A lizard with a distinctive frill around its neck, found in Australian rainforests.
  15. Caiman Lizard (Dracaena guianensis). Named for its caiman-like appearance, this lizard lives in South American rainforests.
  16. Monitor Lizard (Varanus spp.). Various species of monitor lizards inhabit rainforests in Africa, Asia, and Australia.
  17. Green Iguana (Iguana iguana). A large, herbivorous lizard found in Central and South American rainforests.
  18. Giant Day Gecko (Phelsuma grandis). A colorful, diurnal gecko species found in Madagascar’s rainforests.
  19. Gaboon Viper (Bitis gabonica). A venomous snake with a distinctive triangular head, found in African rainforests.
  20. Chameleon (Various species). Chameleons have a unique ability to change color. They live in African and Madagascar rainforests.
  21. Red-eyed Crocodile Skink (Tribolonotus gracilis). A lizard species with red eyes and scales resembling a crocodile, found in New Guinea rainforests.
  22. False Coral Snake (Oxyrhopus spp.). Non-venomous snakes with coral snake mimicry found in Central and South American rainforests.
  23. Helmeted Iguana (Corytophanes cristatus). A lizard with a helmet-like crest, found in Central American rainforests.
  24. Slender Glass Lizard (Ophisaurus attenuatus). Legless lizards found in North American rainforests.
  25. Madagascarophis colubrinus. A snake species found in the rainforests of Madagascar.
  26. Matamata Turtle (Chelus fimbriata). Known for its intricate fringed appearance, this turtle lives in South American rainforests.
  27. Blue-tongued Skink (Tiliqua spp.). Skinks with distinctive blue tongues, found in Australian rainforests.
  28. Eyelash Viper (Bothriechis schlegelii). A venomous snake with distinctive scales over its eyes, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  29. Armadillo Lizard (Ouroborus cataphractus). A lizard species with a protective, armored appearance, found in African rainforests.
  30. Green Tree Python (Morelia viridis). A non-venomous python with vibrant green coloration, found in Australian rainforests.
  31. Common Snapping Turtle (Chelydra serpentina). While commonly associated with freshwater habitats, snapping turtles may inhabit rainforest regions.
  32. Electric Blue Day Gecko (Lygodactylus williamsi). A small, vividly colored gecko found in Tanzanian rainforests.
  33. Crocodile Monitor (Varanus salvadorii). A large monitor lizard found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea.
  34. Dwarf Caiman (Paleosuchus palpebrosus). A small species of caiman found in South American rainforests.
  35. Parson’s Chameleon (Calumma parsonii). A large chameleon species found in the rainforests of Madagascar.
  36. Sunbeam Snake (Xenopeltis unicolor). A non-venomous snake with a shiny appearance.

Amphibians

Poison dart frog.
  1. Amazonian Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta). A large frog species found in South American rainforests.
  2. Golden Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis). A highly toxic frog found in the rainforests of Colombia.
  3. Golden Poison Dart Frog (Phyllobates terribilis). A small, brightly colored frog known for its potent toxins, found in the rainforests of Colombia.
  4. Red-eyed Tree Frog (Agalychnis callidryas). Recognized for its striking red eyes and vibrant green and blue coloration, this tree frog inhabits Central American rainforests.
  5. Malayan Flying Frog (Rhacophorus prominanus). With webbed feet and the ability to glide, this frog is found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  6. Glass Frog (Centrolene spp.). Named for its transparent skin, the glass frog is found in Central and South American rainforests.
  7. Poison Arrow Frog (Dendrobatidae family). Various species within this family, such as the Strawberry Poison Dart Frog, are known for their bright colors and toxic secretions, found in Central and South American rainforests.
  8. Crested Newt (Triturus spp.). Some species of crested newts inhabit European rainforests.
  9. Mantella Frog (Mantella spp.). Native to Madagascar, mantella frogs come in various colors and are toxic.
  10. Salamander (Various species). Certain salamander species, such as the Bolitoglossa genus, can be found in rainforests of Central and South America.
  11. Amazon Milk Frog (Trachycephalus resinifictrix). Known for its milky coloration and large size, this frog is found in the Amazon rainforest.
  12. Tree-hole Breeding Frog (Buergeria spp.). These frogs breed in tree holes in rainforests of Asia.
  13. Goliath Frog (Conraua goliath). The largest frog in the world, the Goliath Frog is native to the rainforests of Central Africa.
  14. Harlequin Toad (Atelopus spp.). A group of brightly colored toads found in Central and South American rainforests.
  15. Fire Salamander (Salamandra salamandra). Found in European rainforests, the fire salamander is known for its distinctive black and yellow markings.
  16. Fleischmann’s Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium fleischmanni). Recognized for its translucent appearance, this glass frog is found in Central and South American rainforests.
  17. Mossy Frog (Theloderma corticale). Native to Vietnam, this frog has moss-like skin for camouflage in rainforest environments.
  18. Panamanian Golden Frog (Atelopus zeteki). Native to Panama, this brightly colored frog is critically endangered.
  19. Wallace’s Flying Frog (Rhacophorus nigropalmatus). Known for its ability to glide using webbed feet, this frog is found in Southeast Asian rainforests.
  20. Barking Tree Frog (Hyla gratiosa). Found in North American rainforests, this frog is known for its distinct call.
  21. Hourglass Tree Frog (Dendropsophus ebraccatus). Recognized for the hourglass-shaped mark on its back, this tree frog is found in Central and South American rainforests.
  22. Tiger Salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum). Some populations of tiger salamanders inhabit North American rainforests.
  23. African Clawed Frog (Xenopus laevis). Native to Sub-Saharan Africa, this aquatic frog may inhabit rainforest areas.
  24. Variable Harlequin Toad (Atelopus varius). Found in Central and South American rainforests, this toad displays variable coloration.
  25. Axolotl (Ambystoma mexicanum). Although often associated with aquatic habitats, the axolotl may be found in rainforest regions.
  26. Corroboree Frog (Pseudophryne corroboree). Endemic to Australia, this brightly colored frog inhabits rainforest areas.
  27. Horned Marsupial Frog (Gastrotheca cornuta). Native to Central and South American rainforests, this frog has a unique breeding method involving a pouch.
  28. Eastern Newt (Notophthalmus viridescens). Some populations of Eastern newts can be found in North American rainforests.
  29. Amazon Horned Frog (Ceratophrys cornuta). Known for its large size and distinctive appearance, this frog is found in South American rainforests.
  30. Greening’s Frog (Eleutherodactylus coqui). Native to Puerto Rico, this frog is known for its loud calls in rainforest environments.
  31. Spectral Glass Frog (Hyalinobatrachium pulveratum). Found in Central and South American rainforests, this frog has a translucent appearance.
  32. Malabar Gliding Frog (Rhacophorus malabaricus). Native to the Western Ghats of India, this frog can glide between trees in rainforest habitats.
  33. Túngara Frog (Engystomops pustulosus). Found in Central and South American rainforests, this frog is known for its complex mating calls.
  34. Spiny Cochran Frog (Plectrohyla spinosa). Native to Central America, this frog has distinctive spines on its upper lip.
  35. Yellow-banded Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates leucomelas). Found in the rainforests of South America, this frog exhibits aposematism with its bright coloration.
  36. Waxy Monkey Frog (Phyllomedusa sauvagii). Native to South American rainforests, this frog secretes a waxy substance.
  37. Tiger-striped Leaf Frog (Phyllomedusa tomopterna). Recognized for its tiger-like stripes, this frog is found in South American rainforests.
  38. Black-eyed Leaf Frog (Agalychnis moreletii). Found in Central American rainforests, this frog has large red eyes.
  39. Green-and-black Poison Dart Frog (Dendrobates auratus). Native to Central and South American rainforests, this frog exhibits bright coloration.
  40. Borneo Eared Frog (Polypedates otilophus). Found in Southeast Asian rainforests, this frog has distinctive ear-like extensions.
  41. Hairy Bush Viper (Atheris hispida). A venomous snake found in African rainforests, known for its keeled scales.
  42. Marbled Salamander (Ambystoma opacum). Found in North American rainforests, this salamander has a distinct black and white color pattern.
  43. Purple Frog (Nasikabatrachus sahyadrensis). Endemic to the Western Ghats of India, this frog has a unique appearance.
  44. Cascades Frog (Rana cascadae). Inhabiting North American rainforests, this frog is known for its climbing abilities.
  45. White’s Tree Frog (Litoria caerulea). Native to Australia and New Guinea, this frog is popular in the pet trade.
  46. Cuban Tree Frog (Osteopilus septentrionalis). Originally from Cuba, this invasive species can be found in various rainforest regions.
  47. Wood Frog (Lithobates sylvaticus). Native to North American rainforests, this frog has a wide distribution.
  48. Malayan Horned Frog (Megophrys nasuta). Found in Southeast Asian rainforests, this frog has prominent horn-like structures.
  49. Rainforest Rocket Frog (Silverstoneia nubicola). Inhabiting South American rainforests, this frog has a slender body.
  50. Pale Frog (Leptodactylus fallax). Found in Central and South American rainforests, this frog exhibits cryptic coloration.
  51. Yellow-eyed Ensatina (Ensatina eschscholtzii xanthoptica). Inhabiting North American rainforests, this salamander has distinctive yellow eyes.
  52. Painted Mantella (Mantella madagascariensis). Native to Madagascar, this brightly colored frog inhabits rainforest areas.

Fish: 17 Animals that Live in the Rainforest

Betta fish.

Of course, you won’t find fish climbing through the trees. However, you may spot one of these fish cruising through a river or creek within a rainforest:

  1. Piranha (Serrasalmidae family). Known for their sharp teeth and carnivorous diet, piranhas inhabit the rivers of South American rainforests.
  2. Electric Eel (Electrophorus electricus). Found in the Amazon and Orinoco river basins, electric eels are capable of generating electric shocks for hunting and self-defense.
  3. Arowana (Osteoglossidae family). These freshwater fish have bony tongues and live in the rivers and lakes of South American rainforests.
  4. Discus Fish (Symphysodon spp.). Recognized for their vibrant colors and distinctive body shape, discus fish are native to the Amazon River basin.
  5. Gourami (Osphronemidae family). Found in the freshwater habitats of Southeast Asian rainforests, gouramis are popular aquarium fish.
  6. Candiru (Vandellia cirrhosa). Also known as toothpick fish, these small catfish inhabit the Amazon River and are infamous for parasitic behavior.
  7. Archerfish (Toxotidae family). Inhabiting the rivers and streams of Southeast Asian rainforests, archerfish are known for their ability to shoot down prey with water streams.
  8. Neon Tetra (Paracheirodon innesi). A small and brightly colored fish, neon tetras are native to the Amazon Basin in South America.
  9. Clown Loach (Chromobotia macracanthus). Found in the rivers of Borneo, clown loaches are popular aquarium fish known for their vibrant colors.
  10. Knife Fish (Gymnotidae family). These nocturnal fish with elongated bodies and knife-like shapes live in South American rainforest waters.
  11. Congo Tetra (Phenacogrammus interruptus). Inhabiting the rivers of Central Africa, Congo tetras are known for their iridescent colors.
  12. Black Ghost Knifefish (Apteronotus albifrons). Recognized for their unique appearance, black ghost knifefish are native to South American rainforests.
  13. Pencilfish (Nannostomus spp.). These slender and elongated fish live in the rivers and streams of South American rainforests.
  14. Royal Pleco (Panaque nigrolineatus). Inhabiting South American rivers, royal plecos have a distinctive coloration and armored plates.
  15. Glass Catfish (Kryptopterus bicirrhis). Transparent and glass-like in appearance, these catfish live in Southeast Asian rainforest rivers.
  16. Hatchetfish (Gasteropelecidae family). Known for their unique body shape, hatchetfish live in the rivers and streams of South American rainforests.
  17. Betta Fish (Betta splendens). Native to Southeast Asian rainforests, bettas are popular aquarium fish that possess vibrant colors and exhibit aggressive behavior.

Invertebrates

Goliath spider.
  1. Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). One of the largest moths in the world, the Atlas Moth has striking wing patterns and is found in Southeast Asian rainforests.
  2. Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata). Known for its powerful sting, the Bullet Ant is found in the rainforests of South America and is infamous for having one of the most painful insect stings.
  3. Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus). This remarkable mantis mimics the appearance of orchid flowers and is found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  4. Goliath Bird-Eating Spider (Theraphosa blondi). One of the largest spiders in the world, the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider is found in the Amazon rainforest and is known for preying on birds.
  5. Leafcutter Ant (_Atta spp.). These ants are well-known for their impressive leaf-cutting behavior, cultivating fungus for food. They inhabit Central and South American rainforests.
  6. Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho menelaus). Renowned for its brilliant blue wings, the Blue Morpho Butterfly is found in Central and South American rainforests.
  7. Stick Insect (Phasmatodea order). Various species of stick insects, known for their remarkable camouflage, inhabit rainforests worldwide.
  8. Iridescent Jewel Beetle (_Chrysochroa spp.). These dazzling beetles with iridescent colors are found in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  9. Amazonian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra gigantea). One of the largest centipedes, it inhabits the rainforests of South America and is a formidable predator.
  10. Madagascar Hissing Cockroach (Gromphadorhina portentosa). These large cockroaches live in the rainforests of Madagascar and are known for their hissing sound.
  11. Amazon Rainforest Harvestman (_Prionostemma spp.). These arachnids, commonly known as harvestmen, live in the Amazon rainforest.
  12. Jewel Caterpillar (Dalceridae family). The caterpillars of this family are adorned with colorful, jewel-like tubercles. They live in Central and South American rainforests.
  13. Amazonian Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae family). These large aquatic insects are found in Amazonian water bodies and are known for their powerful predatory habits.
  14. Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda order). Although not exclusive to rainforests, some species inhabit coastal rainforest areas. Mantis shrimp are known for their powerful hunting abilities.
  15. Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.). These wasps are known for hunting tarantulas, paralyzing them with their sting. They are found in various rainforest regions.
  16. Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica). Originally from East Africa, these large land snails have become invasive in many rainforest regions.
  17. Amazon Rainforest Millipede (Desmoxytes spp.). These millipedes with unique and intricate patterns are found in the Amazon rainforest.
  18. Dragonfly (Odonata order). Various species of dragonflies inhabit rainforests, contributing to the diverse insect life.
  19. Velvet Worm (Onychophora phylum). These soft-bodied invertebrates are found in rainforests, using their slime to capture prey.
  20. Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules). One of the largest beetles, the Hercules Beetle is found in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  21. Leafhopper (Cicadellidae family). These small, plant-feeding insects are diverse in rainforest ecosystems.
  22. Amazon Rainforest Jumping Spider (Salticidae family). Jumping spiders, known for their agility and keen eyesight, inhabit the diverse microhabitats of the Amazon rainforest.
  23. Atlas Moth (Attacus atlas). One of the largest moths in the world, the Atlas Moth has striking wing patterns and is found in Southeast Asian rainforests.
  24. Bullet Ant (Paraponera clavata). The Bullet Ant lives in the rainforests of South America and is infamous for having one of the most painful insect stings.
  25. Orchid Mantis (Hymenopus coronatus). This remarkable mantis mimics the appearance of orchid flowers and lives in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  26. Goliath Bird-Eating Spider (Theraphosa blondi). One of the largest spiders in the world, the Goliath Bird-Eating Spider lives in the Amazon rainforest and can prey on birds.
  27. Leafcutter Ant (_Atta spp.). These ants are well-known for their impressive leaf-cutting behavior, cultivating fungus for food. They inhabit Central and South American rainforests.
  28. Blue Morpho Butterfly (Morpho menelaus). Renowned for its brilliant blue wings, the Blue Morpho Butterfly lives in Central and South American rainforests.
  29. Stick Insect (Phasmatodea order). Various species of stick insects, known for their remarkable camouflage, inhabit rainforests worldwide.
  30. Iridescent Jewel Beetle (_Chrysochroa spp.). These dazzling beetles with iridescent colors live in the rainforests of Southeast Asia.
  31. Amazonian Giant Centipede (Scolopendra gigantea). One of the largest centipedes, it inhabits the rainforests of South America and is a formidable predator.
  32. Amazon Rainforest Harvestman (_Prionostemma spp.). These arachnids, commonly known as harvestmen, live in the Amazon rainforest.
  33. Jewel Caterpillar (Dalceridae family). The caterpillars of this family have colorful, jewel-like tubercles. They live in Central and South American rainforests.
  34. Amazonian Giant Water Bug (Belostomatidae family). These large aquatic insects live in Amazonian water bodies.
  35. Mantis Shrimp (Stomatopoda order). Although not exclusive to rainforests, some species inhabit coastal rainforest areas. Mantis shrimp have powerful hunting abilities.
  36. Tarantula Hawk Wasp (Pepsis spp.). These wasps hunt tarantulas, paralyzing them with their sting.
  37. Giant African Land Snail (Achatina fulica). Originally from East Africa, these large land snails have become invasive in many rainforest regions.
  38. Amazon Rainforest Millipede (Desmoxytes spp.). These millipedes have intricate patterns and live in the Amazon rainforest.
  39. Dragonfly (Odonata order). Various species of dragonflies inhabit rainforests, contributing to the diverse insect life.
  40. Velvet Worm (Onychophora phylum). These soft-bodied invertebrates live in rainforests, using their slime to capture prey.
  41. Hercules Beetle (Dynastes hercules). You can find the Hercules Beetle in the rainforests of Central and South America.
  42. Leafhopper (Cicadellidae family). These small, plant-feeding insects are diverse in rainforest ecosystems.
  43. Amazon Rainforest Jumping Spider (Salticidae family). Jumping spiders, known for their agility and keen eyesight, inhabit the diverse microhabitats of the Amazon rainforest.
  44. Tiger Beetle (Cicindelinae subfamily). These predatory beetles can run at fast running speeds and are one of many animals that live in the rainforest.

My Favorite Animals that Live in the Rainforest

When you read through this extensive list of animals that live in the rainforest, it’s easy to be overwhelmed. While there are ample animals that call the rainforest home, it’s natural to pick out some favorites.

Personally, I love the sloths, jaguars, and poison dart frogs. What are your favorite animals that live in the rainforest?