26 Most Spectacularly Colorful Animals

By Johny in Nature On 18th November 2014
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Cuckoo Wasp

The Cuckoo wasp earned its name for its cuckoo-like behavior it will lay its eggs in the nests of other insect species.

Mandarin Fish

This small reef fish got its name from its spectacular colors, which resemble the colors of the robes of the imperial Chinese officer (Mandarin).

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Lilac-Breasted Roller

Sporting such unique pastel colors, these birds are the official birds of Botswana and Kenya

Peacock Mantis Shrimp

The Mantis Shrimp packs the strongest punch in the entire animal kingdom! If you're unlucky enough to cause it to strike you, it can cut your finger down to the bone!

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Rosy Maple Moth

The most common moth in the southern United States, these beautiful insects feed on the sap of maple trees.

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Parrotfish

One of the most common and colorful of all reef fish, parrotfish eat hard corals and their excrement becomes sand. Oh, and those beaks are REALLY sharp

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Paradise Tanager

Locally nicknamed "Seven-Color", the Tanager is native to the Amazon basin.

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Dogbane Leaf Beatle

These beetles live their lives on the dog-bane plant, and even lay their eggs on it, but sadly, their larva consumes the roots of the plant, leading to its eventual death

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Agama Lizard

These lizards live in groups, with a dominant male that literally is above them all, as he sunbathes at the highest spot, overlooking his group.

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Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher

Found throughout South-East Asia, these tiny fishing birds can fly at speeds of over 25 miles per hour!

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Chromodoris Willani

Chromodoris willani is a species of blue sea slug, named after Dr. Richard C. Willan, a renowned nudibranch taxonomist.

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Rainbow Lorikeet

Native to Australia, the Lorikeet's incredible color pallet makes it a much sought-after pet around the world.

Chameleon

Found all over the world, not all chameleons don't have the ability to change color, yet most of them come in dazzling colors regardless. Their eyes are individually controlled, allowing the chameleon to look in 2 directions simultaneously.

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Fiery-Throat Hummingbird

These magnificent birds are only found in the mountains of Costa Rica and Panama, above the elevation of 4600 feet (1400 meters).

Idalus Herois

This moth is common to Central America and Brazil.

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Rainbow Boa

The spectacular colors of the rainbow boa are the result of microscopic ridges along its scales, which act as prisms.

Peacock Spider

Like the peacock, its namesake male spider uses his bright colors to attract females.

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Mandarin Duck

The Mandarin is a perching-duck species, found in East-Asia. They are believed to be lifelong mates, and are regarded as the symbol of love and marriage in Chinese culture.

Poison Dart Frog

These frogs produce a very toxic mucus that covers their body. They earned their name from the use natives of South-America rub them on their arrows to create poisoned ones for hunting. There are over 100 species of these frogs, and all have bright colors, meant to deter predators.

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Flamingo

Flamingos are naturally grey, their pink color is the result of a diet rich in shrimp which are themselves rich in beta carotene.