Amphibians
As animals of both land and water, amphibians are seen sitting in ponds, hanging from plants, and even inflating their bodies to discourage predators.
Arachnids & Relatives
The eight-legged arachnids include spiders, mites, ticks, and scorpions. We've started with some spider images. Check back as we add more.
Behavior
Animals exhibit a wide variety of behaviors, including communication, flocking, and play. But plants and microorganisms can exhibit behaviors too, such as communication and hunting, so the occasional bacteria picture might show up here. Another folder features Reproduction.
Birds
This image collection ranges from small, colorful hummingbirds to majestic birds of prey. The NBII also provides access to information and datasets on bird populations and habitats at http://birdcon.nbii.gov.
Centipedes & Millipedes
Often assumed to be insects, centipedes and millipedes instead are in their own group, or "subphylum" in this case.
Cnidarians
Corals, anemones, and jellyfish are marine animals that filter food from water. Soft-bodied, they rely on stinging 'nettles' for protection and, in the case of corals, also build hard cases of calcium carbonate to form coral reefs.
Crustaceans
Coming soon! Crabs, lobsters, shrimp, and barnacles.
Echinoderms
Echinoderm means "spiny skin" in Greek, a definite characteristic of this ocean-inhabiting group, along with a radial body plan.
Extinct Animals
Fossils are the preserved, physical remnants of animals that lived in the past.
Fish
More images reflecting the diversity of these aquatic animals will soon be added. The Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (FAR) Information Node of the NBII is a gateway to datasets and information.
Insects
From insects to the structures they build, peruse a selection of images related to the most diverse group of animals on Earth.
Mammals
From the common red squirrel to the rare giant anteater to the blue whale, mammals are a related group of animals all having milk glands and hair.
Mollusks
These soft-bodied organisms, sometimes surrounded by a tough shell (such as snails and clams), sometimes moving freely (such as squid and slugs), live in diverse habitats.
Reptiles
Found in tropical to temperate areas, the reptiles in this collection include snakes, turtles, and lizards, including images of all the geckos of the United States.
Reproduction
Reproducing one's DNA and ensuring its survival can involve many events: competing for mates, courtship, creating the offspring, and parental care.
Signs, Structures, etc
Animals leave behind recognizable signs, such as tracks, waste, dens, and nests, which often can be used to identify species.
Sponges
Sponges filter food from water, and fix themselves to the floor, rocks, or reefs where water currents consistently bring nutrients. This collection currently contains images of the dried skeletal structures that support these animals.
