Exploring Italian animal names is like uncovering hidden treasures of the language. When we dig into why different species are named the way they are, we learn about Italy’s history and how people there have interacted with these animals. It’s fascinating and tells us more than just names; it shows how much animals matter in Italian culture, both in practical and sacred ways.
80 Animal Names in Italian

Mammals
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Cane | Dog |
| Gatto | Cat |
| Cavallo | Horse |
| Leone | Lion |
| Tigre | Tiger |
| Elefante | Elephant |
| Scimmia | Monkey |
| Talpa | Mole |
| Marmotta | Marmot |
| Lontra | Otter |
| Castoro | Beaver |
| Mucca | Cow |
| Toro | Bull |
| Pecora | Sheep |
| Capra | Goat |
| Maiale | Pig |
| Cinghiale | Wild boar |
| Cammello | Camel |
| Lama | Llama |
| Furetto | Ferret |
| Porcellino d’India | Guinea pig |
| Coniglio | Rabbit |
| Lepre | Hare |
| Riccio | Hedgehog |
| Scoiattolo | Squirrel |
| Topo | Mouse |
| Ratto | Rat |
| Pipistrello | Bat |
| Volpe | Fox |
| Lupo | Wolf |
| Orso | Bear |
| Cervo | Deer |
| Alce | Elk |
| Rena | Reindeer |
| Pantera | Panther |
| Giaguaro | Jaguar |
| Ghepardo | Cheetah |
| Leopardo | Leopard |
| Gorilla | Gorilla |
| Scimpanzé | Chimpanzee |
| Orango | Orangutan |
| Rinoceronte | Rhinoceros |
| Ippopotamo | Hippopotamus |
| Zebra | Zebra |
Birds
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Uccello | Bird |
| Struzzo | Ostrich |
| Pinguino | Penguin |
| Gufo | Owl |
| Falco | Falcon |
| Aquila | Eagle |
| Condor | Condor |
| Pellicano | Pelican |
| Gabbiano | Seagull |
| Corvo | Crow |
| Pappagallo | Parrot |
| Colomba | Dove |
| Civetta | Little owl |
Fish and Marine Animals
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Pesce | Fish |
| Delfino | Dolphin |
| Squalo | Shark |
| Balena | Whale |
| Medusa | Jellyfish |
| Polpo | Octopus |
| Granchio | Crab |
| Aragosta | Lobster |
| Gambero | Shrimp |
| Seppia | Cuttlefish |
| Cavalluccio marino | Seahorse |
| Stella marina | Starfish |
| Riccio di mare | Sea urchin |
Reptiles
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Serpente | Snake |
| Lucertola | Lizard |
| Tartaruga | Turtle |
| Coccodrillo | Crocodile |
Amphibians
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Rana | Frog |
Insects and Arthropods
| Italian | English |
|---|---|
| Cavalletta | Grasshopper |
| Farfalla | Butterfly |
| Ape | Bee |
| Vespa | Wasp |
| Formica | Ant |
| Coccinella | Ladybug |
| Scarafaggio | Cockroach |
| Zanzara | Mosquito |
| Libellula | Dragonfly |
| Lumaca | Snail |
| Chiocciola | Snail (with shell) |
| Ragno | Spider |
| Grillo | Cricket |
| Cicala | Cicada |
| Lucciola | Firefly |
Conclusion
In short, learning 80 animal names in Italian does more than boost your language skills. It also connects you to Italy’s rich culture and wildlife. Exploring these names helps us appreciate the variety of life and the unique aspects of Italian culture. Understanding this can deepen our respect for nature and Italy’s language heritage. It’s precious for anyone interested in Italian language and culture.
