Mammal
Lions live together in family groups called prides. A lion’s roar can be heard from about 5 miles away.
Lives in: Savanna
HomeAnimals A–ZLetter L
Animals That Start With L: List, Facts & Free Coloring Pages
From roaring lions to tiny ladybugs, the letter L has some lovely animals to meet. Sing the L sound together, share a fun fact, then print the free coloring page. Here is our list of animals that start with the letter L, perfect when a little one asks what animal starts with L.
12animals
1sounds
3free pages
Letter sound
What Sound Does the Letter L Make?
The letter L makes one sound, a smooth “lll” that you can hold for as long as you like. It is a fun one to sing. Tap any word to hear it.
Ll
Say it together
Stretch the L sound out like a song, “llllion”. Then try the words on the right and listen for the L at the start.
/l/
L sound
Touch the tip of your tongue to the bumpy spot just behind your top teeth and sing “lll”.
Lick a lollipopPretend to lick a lollipop and say /l/ each time.
Make an LHold up your thumb and pointer finger to make an L shape.
Sing la la laSing a song using only “la” and feel your tongue move.
Animal list
12 Animals That Start With the Letter L
Some of these L animals live in your garden and some live far away in the jungle or sea. Say each name slowly and listen for the L sound. Every one of these animals with L has a short fact you can read aloud.
Insect
Ladybugs are tiny beetles that gardeners love because they eat aphids. Their bright spots tell birds that they taste bad.
Lives in: GardensMammal
Llamas come from the Andes Mountains in South America. People use them to carry packs on long mountain walks.
Lives in: MountainsMammal
Leopards are strong climbers that often rest high up in trees. Their spots are shaped like little roses and are called rosettes.
Lives in: SavannaMammal
Wild lemurs live only on the island of Madagascar. Ring-tailed lemurs hold their striped tails up high like flags.
Lives in: ForestsReptile
Lizards lie in the sun to warm up their bodies. Some lizards can drop their tail to get away and grow a new one.
Lives in: DesertsCrustacean
Lobsters have a hard shell and two big front claws. They crawl along the ocean floor on their walking legs.
Lives in: OceanMammal
A lynx has tufts of black fur on the tips of its ears. Its big, furry paws work like snowshoes in deep snow.
Lives in: ForestsFish
Lionfish have long, stripy spines that look a bit like a lion’s mane. The spines sting, so other fish leave them alone.
Lives in: Coral reefsReptile
The leatherback is the biggest turtle in the world. Its shell feels like soft leather instead of a hard shell.
Lives in: OceanBird
Loons are great divers that chase fish underwater. Their wild, wailing call echoes across quiet lakes at night.
Lives in: LakesInsect
Leafcutter ants carry bits of leaves that are bigger than they are. They use the leaves to grow a special food garden in their nest.
Lives in: RainforestsAnimal names that start with L (L animals list): Lion, Ladybug, Llama, Leopard, Lemur, Lizard, Lobster, Lynx, Lionfish, Leatherback Turtle, Loon, Leafcutter Ant.
Facts checked with National Geographic Kids and Wikipedia.
Quick quiz
What Animal Starts With L? Quick Quiz
A tiny game to check what stuck. Read the question out loud and let your little one tap the answer.
Question 1
Score: 0
Free download
Free printable
Letter L Worksheets: Free Coloring Page
The free printable has 3 pages: color the big letter L and a friendly lion, trace the letter L, then find and circle the L animals.
1
Download the PDFOne click, no sign-up or email
2
Print at home or schoolFits US Letter and A4 paper
3
Color and traceBig letters and dotted tracing lines
Uppercase LLowercase lTracing practiceFind the L animals
Download Free PDF
3 pages, black & white
Questions
All FAQs
Animals Beginning With L: FAQ
Lion, ladybug, llama, leopard, lemur and lizard are great ones for kids. Fun extras include lynx, loon and lionfish.
Lion is a great first L word. It is short, easy to say and kids love to roar like one.
Yes, it is free. Download the PDF and print as many copies as you need for home or class.
Show your child how the tongue taps the spot behind the top teeth, then sing “lll” together. Point to a lion or a leaf while you say it.
The leatherback sea turtle is the heaviest L animal on our list, and big ones weigh more than a lion. On land, the lion is the biggest.
The ladybug is one of the smallest. Most are about the size of a pencil eraser.
Lobsters crawl on the ocean floor and leatherback turtles swim far out at sea. Lionfish live near coral reefs.
Llamas live on many farms, and some farmers use them to guard sheep. A baby sheep, called a lamb, starts with L too.
The lion! Its big roar can be heard from about 5 miles away.
Head to the letter M page next, or print the alphabet flashcards and play a quick L matching game.