Imagine you discovered a new species of animal — what would you name it? Would you name it after yourself perhaps, or maybe your mother, or even your favorite pet? Scientists have long relied on descriptive words in languages like Latin and Greek to name species within the animal and plant kingdom, but there must be a point where they come to the end of the line and have to get…less creative. These 10 species are named for their resemblance in some way, whether physical or behavioral, to other creatures within the animal kingdom, and while some are rather obvious, there are a few that require you to stretch your imagination just a bit.
1. Leopard Seal
This leopard seal can’t change its spots any more than a real leopard can!
2. Alligator Snapping Turtle
Despite the obvious differences in size, the alligator is definitely this snapping turtle’s mentor.
3. Cattle Egret
This beautiful bird is named not so much for the animal it resembles, but rather the company it keeps.
4. Mouse Deer
This one’s a no-brainer — that deer is as cute as a little mouse!
5. Skunk Bear
Yes, this is also a wolverine. But you can kind of see where their heads were at when they named it skunk bear.
6. Ant Lion
We have no idea.
7. Butterfly Fish
If butterflies were seafaring creatures, we could see a little confusion here.
8. Fox Squirrel
Look at that bushy, foxy red tail!
9. Swan Goose
Goose + Swan-like characteristics = Swan Goose. Genius.
10. Rabbit Bandicoot
The word “bandicoot” is thought to come from a Telugu word that means “pig rat.” Stick with rabbit bandicoot, kid.
Related article: 5 Animals with Misleading Names & 5 Cool Examples of Insect Mimicry
