List of fauna of Utah facts for kids

Utah is a state in the western United States. It's known for its amazing landscapes, from deserts to mountains. These different places are home to a huge variety of animals! This article will introduce you to some of the cool creatures that live in Utah, from tiny insects to large mammals.

Creepy Crawlies and More: Invertebrates

Invertebrates are animals without a backbone. This group includes insects, spiders, crabs, and snails. Utah has many different kinds of invertebrates, each playing an important role in the environment.

Spiders and Scorpions: Arachnids

Arachnids are a group of invertebrates that include spiders, scorpions, and mites. They usually have eight legs. Utah is home to many fascinating arachnids.

Western black widow spider

Bold jumping spider

Giant hairy scorpion under UV light

Red spider mite

Salt Lake County brown tarantula

• Western black widow spider (Latrodectus hesperus): These spiders are known for the red hourglass shape on their belly. They prefer dark, quiet places.
• Bold jumping spider (Phidippus audax): These small, fuzzy spiders are great hunters. They have excellent eyesight and jump on their prey.
• Giant desert hairy scorpion (Hadrurus arizonensis): This is the largest scorpion in North America. It glows under UV light!
• Salt Lake County brown tarantula (Aphonopelma iodius): These large, hairy spiders are often found in the desert areas. They are generally harmless to humans.
• Hobo spider (Tegenaria agrestis): This spider builds funnel-shaped webs.
• Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni): Ticks are tiny arachnids that feed on blood. This one is found in wooded areas.

Shells and Swimmers: Crustaceans

Crustaceans are mostly water-dwelling animals with hard outer shells. Think crabs, shrimp, and lobsters.

Brine shrimp

• Brine shrimp (Artemia franciscana): These tiny shrimp live in very salty water, like the Great Salt Lake. They are a major food source for many birds.
• Louisiana crayfish (Procambarus clarkii): This crayfish is not native to Utah. It is considered an invasive species, meaning it can harm the local environment.
• Pill bug (Armadillidium vulgare): Also called "sow bugs," these small creatures roll into a ball when they feel threatened. They live on land in damp places.
• Signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus): This native crayfish is found in some Utah waters, including Utah County.
• Water flea (Daphnia lumholtzi): Another invasive species, these tiny crustaceans can outcompete native species for food.

Busy Bugs: Insects

Insects are the largest group of animals on Earth. They have six legs and usually wings. Utah is buzzing with many types of insects.

Brine fly

Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle

Mormon cricket

Western honey bee

• Brine fly (Ephydra cinerea Jones): Like brine shrimp, these flies thrive in the super salty waters of the Great Salt Lake.
• Coral Pink Sand Dunes tiger beetle (Cicindela albissima): This rare beetle lives only in the unique pink sand dunes of southern Utah.
• Mormon cricket (Anabrus simplex): These large, flightless crickets are famous for their huge swarms. They can cause a lot of damage to crops.
• Western honey bee (Apis mellifera): These important insects help pollinate plants, which means they help plants make seeds and fruits.
• Brown marmorated stink bug (Halyomorpha halys): This is another invasive species. It can be a pest in homes and gardens.
• Common earwig (Forficula auricularia): Also known as the European earwig, these insects have pincers at the end of their body.

Beautiful Wings: Butterflies and Moths

Utah is home to many colorful butterflies and moths. These insects go through a complete life cycle, from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis (or cocoon) to adult.

Callippe fritillary butterfly

Clodius parnassian butterfly

Green comma butterfly

Milbert's tortoiseshell butterfly

Pipevine swallowtail

Caterpillar of two-tailed swallowtail

Viceroy butterfly mating pair

White-lined sphinx moth

• Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus): Famous for their long migrations, monarchs are a beloved sight in Utah.
• Two-tailed swallowtail butterfly (Papilio multicaudata): This large, yellow butterfly has two "tails" on each hindwing. Its caterpillars are also very interesting!
• Painted lady butterfly (Vanessa cardui): One of the most widespread butterflies in the world, often seen in Utah.
• Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus): This butterfly looks very similar to the Monarch, which helps protect it from predators.
• White-lined sphinx moth (Hyles lineata): These moths are often mistaken for hummingbirds because they hover over flowers.

Slimy Friends: Mollusks

Mollusks are soft-bodied animals, many of which have shells. In Utah, you'll find snails and mussels.

California floater

Kanab ambersnail

• California floater (Anodonta californiensis): This is a type of freshwater mussel found in Utah's rivers and lakes.
• Kanab ambersnail (Oxyloma kanabense): This tiny snail is an endangered species. It lives only in a few wet areas near Kanab, Utah.
• New Zealand mud snail (Potamopyrgus antipodarum): This is a very small, invasive snail. It can quickly take over waterways and harm native species.
• Quagga mussel (Dreissena bugensis): Another invasive species, these mussels can clog pipes and damage ecosystems. They have been found in Lake Powell.

Other Invertebrates

• House centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata): These fast-moving creatures have many legs. They are often found in homes and eat other insects.

Backbones and Beyond: Vertebrates

Vertebrates are animals with a backbone. This group includes fish, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.

Frogs and Salamanders: Amphibians

Amphibians are animals that can live both in water and on land. They usually have moist skin.

Great Basin spadefoot

Tiger salamander

• Great Basin spadefoot (Spea intermontana): These toads have a special "spade" on their feet to dig into the ground. They come out during rains.
• Tiger salamander (Ambystoma tigrinum): This is the only native salamander species found in Utah. They are often found near ponds and slow-moving water.
• American bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana): This is a large, non-native frog that can harm native frog populations.
• Relict leopard frog (Rana onca): This frog is endangered and might even be gone from Utah completely. Conservation efforts are trying to protect it.

Feathered Friends: Birds

Utah is a great place for birdwatching, with many different species living here or passing through.

Abert's towhee

Barn owl

Black-chinned hummingbird

Blue jay

Bufflehead

Cinnamon teals (male and female)

Male dusky grouse

Western cattle egret

Common merganser

• American robin (Turdus migratorius): A very common bird, often seen in yards and parks.
• Bald eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus): The national bird of the United States, bald eagles can be seen in Utah, especially in winter.
• Barn owl (Tyto alba): These owls are known for their heart-shaped faces and silent flight. They often live in barns and old buildings.
• Black-billed magpie (Pica hudsonia): These intelligent birds are easily recognized by their long tails and black and white feathers.
• California condor (Gymnogyps californianus): This is one of the largest and rarest birds in North America. It is an endangered species, and efforts are being made to help it recover in Utah.
• California gull (Larus californicus): Often called "seagulls," these birds are very common around the Great Salt Lake. They are even Utah's state bird!
• Common raven (Corvus corax): These large, black birds are very smart and can be found throughout Utah.
• Dusky grouse (Dendragapus obscurus): These birds live in mountain forests and are known for their camouflaged feathers.
• Hummingbirds (various species like Archilochus alexandri and Selasphorus platycercus): These tiny birds are amazing flyers, known for hovering and drinking nectar from flowers.

Swimming Wonders: Fishes

Utah's lakes and rivers are home to many fish species, both native and introduced.

Bluegill

Colorado River cutthroat trout

• Bear Lake sculpin (Cottus extensus): This unique fish is found only in Bear Lake. It's listed as "vulnerable," meaning it needs protection.
• Bonneville cutthroat trout (Oncorhynchus clarkii utah): This native trout is an important fish in Utah's history and ecosystems.
• Bonytail chub (Gila elegans): This fish is critically endangered. It lives in the Colorado River system.
• Bluegill (Lepomis macrochirus): A common fish in many Utah waters, but it was introduced and is not native.
• Colorado pikeminnow (Ptychocheilus lucius): This large, native fish is also vulnerable and lives in the Colorado River.
• June sucker (Chasmistes liorus): This fish is found only in Utah Lake and is an endangered species.
• Utah Lake sculpin (Cottus echinatus): Sadly, this fish is extinct. It was last seen in the 1920s.

Furry Friends: Mammals

Mammals are warm-blooded animals with fur or hair. They feed their young milk. Utah has a wide range of mammals, from tiny mice to large elk.

American bison

Belding's ground squirrel

Black-tailed jackrabbit

Desert bighorn sheep

Cliff chipmunk

Elk

North American porcupine

Spotted bat

Western spotted skunk

• American bison (Bison bison): These massive animals once roamed freely across the plains. You can find herds in places like Antelope Island State Park.
• American black bear (Ursus americanus): Black bears live in Utah's forests. They are usually shy and avoid people.
• Bobcat (Lynx rufus): These wild cats are smaller than cougars. They are excellent hunters.
• Cougar (Puma concolor): Also known as mountain lions, cougars are Utah's largest wild cats. They are powerful predators.
• Coyote (Canis latrans): Coyotes are common throughout Utah, from deserts to mountains. They are very adaptable.
• Elk (Cervus canadensis): These large deer are a majestic sight in Utah's mountains. They are also called Wapati.
• Mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus): Mule deer are very common in Utah. They are named for their large, mule-like ears.
• North American porcupine (Erethizon dorsatum): These animals are covered in sharp quills for defense.
• Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (Ovis canadensis canadensis): These sheep are known for their impressive curved horns. They live in rocky, mountainous areas.
• Spotted bat (Euderma maculatum): This bat has huge ears and a unique black and white spotted fur pattern. It's a rare sight.
• Wolverine (Gulo gulo): Wolverines are powerful, solitary animals. They are very rare in Utah.
• Gray wolf (Canis lupus): While there have been sightings, there are no confirmed wolf packs living in Utah. They are very rare visitors.

Scaly Creatures: Reptiles

Reptiles are cold-blooded animals, meaning their body temperature depends on their surroundings. Utah has many snakes and lizards.

Desert horned lizard

Ring-necked snake

Long-nosed leopard lizard

Desert tortoise

Many-lined skink

Speckled rattlesnake

• Desert horned lizard (Phrynosoma platyrhinos): Often called "horny toads," these lizards have spiky bodies and can squirt blood from their eyes as a defense!
• Desert tortoise (Gopherus agassizii): These long-lived tortoises live in the desert. They are a protected species.
• Gila monster (Heloderma suspectum): This is one of only two venomous lizards in the world. It has a bright, beaded skin pattern.
• Gopher snake (Pituophis catenifer): These non-venomous snakes are often mistaken for rattlesnakes because they can shake their tails.
• Great Basin rattlesnake (Crotalus oreganus lutosus): This is a common venomous snake in Utah. They use their rattle to warn off threats.
• Long-nosed leopard lizard (Gambelia wislizenii): These fast lizards are good hunters, known for their spotted patterns.
• Ring-necked snake (Diadophis punctatus): These small, harmless snakes have a distinctive yellow or orange ring around their neck.
• Rubber boa (Charina bottae): This snake looks and feels like rubber. It is a non-venomous constrictor.
• Sidewinder (Crotalus cerastes): This rattlesnake moves in a unique "sidewinding" motion across sandy deserts.
• Western fence lizard (Sceloporus occidentalis): These common lizards are often seen basking on rocks and fences.
• Zebra-tailed lizard (Callisaurus draconoides): These lizards are incredibly fast and have a black and white striped tail they wave when they run.