Examples of animals that can see in the dark include owls, cats, alligators, snakes, and monkeys.
Not all animals can see in the dark.
But some, like bats and cats, have adapted to living in conditions with little or no light.
And there are even a few that use their ability to see in the dark as an advantage for hunting.
These animals need a special type of eye, called a tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back through their retina and gives them night vision.
Examples of Animals that Can See in the Dark
Examples of Animals that Can See in the Dark
Scientific NameAlligatorType of AnimalReptileRangethe United States from North Carolina to the Rio Grande in TexasDietCarnivore
Alligators do not have any special adaptations that allow them to see in the dark.
Their eyesight is about as good during the day or at night, which means they can see small objects but cannot make out details very well.
Alligator vision also doesn’t let them perceive color – it appears grayish-green because their green and blue cones are not as sensitive as humans’.
This is why they rely heavily on their sense of smell to find prey at night.
2. Andean Night Monkey
2. Andean Night Monkey
Scientific NameAotus miconaxType of AnimalMammalRangePeruDietOmnivore
Andean Night Monkeys live in the Ecuadorian forests and can see just as well at night or during the daytime.
They rely on their sense of smell to help them navigate through trees, but they also use their vision very effectively.
Their eyes are almost twice as big compared with other nocturnal mammals’ and even contain a reflective layer behind the retina to help them see better in the dark.
This reflective layer, called tapetum lucidum, is a feature seen also in cats and other animals that can see at night.
Scientific NameDaubentonia madagascariensisType of AnimalMammalRangeMadagascarDietOmnivore
Aye-Ayes are nocturnal animals, meaning they are active at night.
Their eyes are specially adapted to see in the dark and their ears help them hear prey moving around in the forest.
Aye-Ayes use their long fingers to grab onto insects or other small prey items.
Related Article: Do Aye-Ayes Use Echolocation?
Scientific NameOpisthoproctidaeType of AnimalFishRangePacific OceanDietCarnivore
One of the most interesting animals that can see in the dark is the Barreleye Fish.
This fish has a unique head shape that allows it to look up and see through the water column to find prey.
Its eyes are also barrel-shaped, which helps increase its light sensitivity.
The Barreleye Fish typically hunts at night, when it can use its excellent vision to find prey that is hidden in the darkness.
Scientific NameChiropteraType of AnimalMammalsRangeWorldwideDietOmnivore
Although bats can’t see very good they use echolocation to find their way around in the dark.
6. Black-Footed Ferret
6. Black-Footed Ferret
Scientific NameMustela nigripesType of AnimalMammalRangeNorth AmericaDietCarnivore
The black-footed ferret is the only species of ferret that can see in the dark.
They have large, elliptical pupils that dilate in low light conditions to let in more light.
Their eyes also contain a high concentration of rods, which are responsible for seeing in low light conditions.
Ferrets rely on their keen sense of smell and hearing to find their prey.
Scientific NameSepiidaType of AnimalFishRangeTropical seasDietCarnivore
They are characterized by their eyes, which can change color and pattern in response to various stimuli.
Cuttlefish have unique skin cells called chromatophores that allow them to control how they look to other animals.
This helps them hide from predators and prey.
Cuttlefish are able to see in the dark due to their binocular field of vision.
This is a layer of cells that reflect light back through the retina, which increases the amount of light that gets absorbed.
This allows cuttlefish to see in low-light conditions.
Scientific NameScarabaeidaeType of AnimalInsectRangeWorldwideDietHerbivore
Dung beetles can see well during the night, but they are unable to distinguish as many features at a greater distance.
Scientific NameGnathonemus petersiiType of AnimalFishRangeRivers of West and Central AfricaDietCarnivore
Elephantnose Fish have a series of adaptations that allow them to see in the dark.
Their eyes are very large and they have a reflective layer behind the retina that helps amplify light.
They also have some pigment in their retinas that allows them to see more color in low-light conditions.
Additionally, they have a structure called the “cupula” in their inner ear that helps them sense movement even when there is little light.
This allows them to hunt for food at night and avoid predators.
Scientific NameVulpes zerdaType of AnimalMammalRangeSahara DesertDietOmnivore
Fennec foxes have very large ears which are full of blood vessels.
These help to keep the fox cool in the desert heat, but they also play a role in their vision.
The Fox’s oversized ears act like satellite dishes, collecting and amplifying sound waves.
This helps them to better hear prey moving at night.
Fennec foxes also have a high density of cells in the tapetum lucidum at the back of their eyes.
These act like mirrors, reflecting light and helping to improve night vision.
Scientific NameArctocephalinaeType of AnimalMammalRangePacific and Southern OceansDietOmnivore
Fur seals are one of the few animals that can see in the dark.
They also have a membrane called the tapetum lucidum which reflects light back to their retina, allowing them to see in low-light conditions.
Scientific NameAnuraType of AnimalReptileRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
Most frogs have very good night vision.
They are able to see in the dark because they have a membrane called the tapetum lucidum that reflects light back through their eyes, allowing them to see even in low-light conditions.
This is also why their eyes often look green or yellow when you see them in the daylight.
Some frogs have a second membrane that reflects light back twice, giving them even better night vision.
Scientific NameGekkonidaeType of AnimalReptileRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
Geckos’ night vision comes from their sensitivity to color, which is 350 times more sensitive than humans.
Geckos can see in complete darkness because they have a layer of cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum.
This layer reflects light that passes through the retina back to the rods and cones, which increases the amount of light that reaches these cells by up to 100 times.
Additionally, geckos’ pupils are vertical slits, which allows more light to enter the eye.
This combination of features gives geckos an incredibly clear image in low-light conditions.
Scientific NameBenthosema glacialeType of AnimalFishRangeNorth AtlanticDietCarnivore
Glacier Lanternfish and other deep-sea fish species have evolved to find food in complete darkness.
They use bioluminescence which is basically a chemical reaction that creates light.
Scientific NameEquus caballusType of AnimalMammalRangeWorldwideDietHerbivore
Horses have a membrane called the nictitating membrane that helps keep their eyes clean and moist.
This membrane also helps to protect their eyes from dust, dirt, and other particles in the air.
Horses can see as well at night as they can during the day due to the tapetum lucidum in their eyes.
Scientific NameFelis catusType of AnimalMammalRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
House cats are able to see in low light conditions because they have a high level of rod cells in their eyes.
These cells detect light and dark, allowing the animal to see in dimly lit areas.
The eyes of a house cat also contain a tapetum lucidum, which reflects light back onto the retina.
This enables them to use what little available light there is much more efficiently than humans can.
This means that these animals do not necessarily need a lot of light to see what is going on around them.
Scientific NameCaprimulgidaeType of AnimalBirdRangethe Nechisar plains of EthiopiaDietCarnivore
The eyes of nightjar are specially adapted to seeing in the dark.
They have very large pupils that can dilate to let in more light, and they also have a special layer of cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum that helps them see better in low light.
Scientific NameStrigiformesType of AnimalBirdRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
Owls use their tapetum lucidums to see in the dark, but they also have them under a layer of translucent tissue called the uvea.
This allows owls to protect their retina from direct exposure to light and helps them maintain vision during not only nighttime hours, but daytime as well.
Scientific NamePholidotaType of AnimalMammalRangeAsiaDietCarnivore
Pangolins have poor eyesight but a great sense of smell.
It’s been estimated that one pangolin may devour over 70 million insects every year.
Scientific NameCrotalinaeType of AnimalReptileRangeDeserts to rainforestsDietCarnivore
Pit Viper uses infrared heat vision similar to how humans use visible light.
They have special pits on their head which detects the heat of another creature and use it as a way to guide them through very dark places.
Scientific NameProcyon lotorType of AnimalMammalRangeNorth AmericaDietOmnivore
Their eyes are specially adapted to see in the dark.
They have a thin layer of tissue called the tapetum lucidum that reflects light back into their eyes, allowing them to see in the dark.
Scientific NameRangifer tarandusType of AnimalMammalRangethe Arctic tundra and adjacent boreal forestsDietHerbivore
Reindeer have developed a second form of vision as a result of all the time they spend in snow.
When the sun shines, it reflects harshly off the snow.
The intense light has caused reindeer to evolve and develop a sight that penetrates through the blinding glare.
Reindeer have eyes that are sensitive to ultraviolet light.
Scientific NameSelachimorphaType of AnimalFishRangeWorldwideDietCarnivore
Sharks like all the other animals on our list have a special layer of cells in their eyes called the tapetum lucidum.
This is a mirrored lining at the back of the eye that reflects light, giving the pupil a noticeable glow during dark conditions.
Scientific NamePanthera unciaType of AnimalMammalRangeAsiaDietCarnivore
Snow leopards have the ability to see in the dark because of their unique eyesight.
They can easily identify prey, even though it is very difficult for humans.
Snow leopard’s eyes are adapted for seeing at night time with an extra membrane that reflects light back through their retina, which makes it possible for them to see very well in the dark.
Snow leopards do not have the best night vision compared to other big cats, such as lions and tigers.
Instead, they rely on their acute senses of hearing and smell to find prey under the cover of darkness.
Scientific NameTarsiidaeType of AnimalMammalRangethe southern PhilippinesDietCarnivore
One of the most interesting facts about tarsiers is that they have the ability to see in the dark.
This is due to their exceptional night vision, which is attributed to two adaptations: large eyes and a tubular-shaped pupil.
The large eyes are necessary for the tarsier’s nocturnal habit, and the tubular pupil shapes more light into a concentrated beam that enters their retina, which is located at the rear of the eye.
The pupil may be shaped like a tube because it has an iris that opens vertically instead of horizontally as in humans.
More Animals Lists:
31 Animals that Live in Lakes31 Animals that Hiss33 Examples of Carnivores33 Animals that Produce Milk
Living in South Africa I’ve had the pleasure of seeing most of these animals up close and personal.
Black animals are rare, so seeing one can be a surprise.
They live in different habitats and climates but they all have one thing in common: they are all beautiful.
Sometimes, we also call these all-black animals melanistic.
A melanistic animal is all-black without any other colors.
So some of the following animals are truly melanistic while others are primarily black with some other colors, such as a red beak.
List of Animals that are Black
List of Animals that are Black
1. American Black Bear
1. American Black Bear
Scientific NameUrsus americanusClassificationMammalSizeUp to 75 inchesHabitatForests, mountains
Strong and mighty, the American black bear is the king of American forests.
It’s a medium-sized bear species that is endemic to North America.
Attacks on humans have happened in the past, but they can be avoided with a bit of care.
Scientific NameCorvus brachyrhynchosClassificationBirdSizeUp to 20 inchesHabitatForests
Most crows are black, and the American crow is no exception.
It is also often connected to graveyards, death, and other similar themes because of its black color and its connection with the dead bodies of people.
Scientific NameGallus gallus domesticusClassificationBirdSizeUp to 6lbsHabitatDomesticated
Like the Ayam cemani, the Ancona chicken is also a part of the gallus gallus domesticus group of animals, meaning that it’s a chicken.
It’s an interesting chicken breed that stems from Ancona, Italy, but has been spread all around the world.
This chicken is known for its proficient egg-laying abilities.
Scientific NameBos taurusClassificationMammalDietHerbivoreHabitatDomesticated
Angus cattle are a black breed of cow that originates from Scotland.
These are a breed that were specifically bred for meat and are today produce one of the most popular cuts of beef in restaurants (Angus and Wagyu are the two most popular).
Read more about black and white cow breeds here.
Scientific NameGallus gallus domesticusClassificationBirdSizeUp to 5 inchesHabitatDomesticated
The Ayam Cemani is an interesting chicken species that is only found in Indonesia.
Originally, the words “Ayam” and “cemani” come from the Indonesian language; “Ayam” means chicken, while “cemani” means thoroughly black.
Up until the late 20th century, these chickens were only kept in Asia but in the last 40 years, they have been introduced to various countries around the world.
6. Black Panther
6. Black Panther
Scientific NamePanthera pardusClassificationMammalSizeUp to 31 inchesHabitatTropical rainforests
Up until the late 1800s, not much was known about the black panther.
Some biologists have proposed that this species is to be considered a different species from the leopard and the jaguar, but ultimately, the animal is only a black variant of the two species.
7. Black Saddlebags
7. Black Saddlebags
Scientific NameTramea lacerataClassificationInsectSizeUp to 2 inchesHabitatForests, watery areas
This animal is known for the black botches on the edges of its wings.
You’ll likely find this insect in many states of North America.
They’ll spend most of their time around stagnant water bodies where they will hunt for their prey.
8. Black Squirrel
8. Black Squirrel
Scientific NameSciuridaeClassificationMammalSize15 inchesHabitatForests
The black squirrel is the melanistic version of other squirrels.
It is not considered to be its own species, but rather a unique variation that happens mostly to the eastern gray squirrel and the fox squirrel.
These black squirrels are quite a rarity; they happen when an abnormal pigment gene is introduced in the general squirrel population, which doesn’t happen often.
9. Black Swan
9. Black Swan
Scientific NameCygnus atratusClassificationBirdDietHerbivoreHabitatLakes
The black swan is a species of swan found in southwestern and southeastern Australia.
It’s a nomadic bird but does return to nesting sites yearly to birth its young.
Like other swans, the black swan is monogamous with scientists believing they have a separation (divorce) rate of just 6%.
Related Article: Do Black Swan Make Hissing Sounds?
Black Widow Spider
Black Widow Spider
Scientific NameLatrodectus hesperusClassificationAnthropodDietCarnivoreRangeNorth America
The black widow is one of the most venomous spiders in the world.
It is found in North America, although there is a cousin in Australia called the redback spider, often colloquially referred to as the Australian black widow.
While it is extremely venomous, there are very few recorded deaths from the black widow in modern history.
Related Article: Do Black Widow Live in Desert?
Black Witch Moth
Black Witch Moth
Scientific NameAscalapha odorataClassificationInsectSize24cm WingspanRangeBrazil to Canada
The black witch moth is found anywhere from Canada down to Brazil although it’s primarily found in southern USA and Mexico.
It is known to migrate up and down the Americas throughout the year.
It is believed by traditional Mexican culture to be a harbringer of death, perhaps because of the symbolic association between the color black and death.
Black Wolf
Black Wolf
Scientific NameCanis lupusClassificationMammalSizeUp to 60 inchesHabitatForests
The black wolf is a melanistic variant of the Canis lupus species.
Black specimens were also sometimes seen with the Canis rufus species (red wolves) in the past, but today, it is considered extinct but can be seen in some zoos.
Due to a mutation in genes when breeding with dogs, the wolves started to develop this typical black color which we now often see.
Scientific NameMacaca nigraClassificationMammalSizeUp to 24 inchesHabitatCelebes
Sometimes simply called the black ape, the Celebes crested macaque is one of the oldest mammal species in the world.
This photogenic ape species (also known for the famous monkey selfie that you might have seen) is also considered a pest, so it is sometimes actively hunted, which makes it critically endangered.
Scientific NameCephalorynchus EutropiaClassificationMammalSizeUp to 5.6 ftHabitatOcean
Found off the coast of Chile, the Chilean dolphin is a beautiful dolphin species that can grow up to the size of a human being.
It’s a small and thick dolphin that is often seen in groups, although it’s harmless to humans.
Scientific NamePan troglodytesClassificationMammalDietOmnivoreHabitatCentral African Forests
The chimpanzee is a large primate with black hair covering its entire body.
Chimpanzees are unfortunately considered endangered by the official IUCN red list.
They can still be found in the wild in central Africa where they share a habitat with the black Mountain Gorilla.
Scientific NameTurdus merulaClassificationBirdSizeUp to 11 inchesHabitatForests
The common blackbird, or simply the blackbird, is a very widely known bird all around the world.
It’s known for its all-black body and an orange beak, so it can sometimes be mistaken for other bird species.
Scientific NameAptenodytes forsteriClassificationBirdSize4.2 feetHabitatThe Antarctic
Yes, even the penguins can be all-black.
These melanistic animals can sometimes be seen due to mutations in genes.
Instead of having the white color of its pelt at the front of its body, a melanistic penguin would be all-black.
Scientific NameDynastinaeClassificationInsectSizeUp to 8 inchesHabitatVarious
Beetles come in all shapes and sizes, as well as colors.
However, the vast majority of beetle species are black, or at least have some variety of black coloration on their bodies.
This is particularly true for the rhinoceros beetle.
Even though it’s quite a broad animal group, these beetles are mostly black.
Scientific NameCanis lupusClassificationMammalSizeUp to 10 inchesHabitatDomesticated
The Scottish terrier is a breed of dog originating from Scotland.
They’re a small dog measuring up to only about 10 inches high with a distinctive beard and perky ears.
They’re mostly known for their black coats, but you can also find them with white and brindle coats.
The Scottish terrier is a very popular breed of pet, with famous people like George W.
Bush owning Scottish terrier dogs.
Scientific NamePantherophis obsoletusClassificationReptileSizeUp to 6ftHabitatForests
The Western rat snake, also often called a black snake, is a fairly common snake species in North America.
It’s known for the beautiful black color of its body and the white color of the lower area of the body.
It’s a relatively harmless snake as it doesn’t carry venom, but is still capable of hunting down its prey very well.
Scientific NameBubalus arneeClassificationMammalSizeUp to 6.2 feet tallHabitatGrasslands, swamps
Black and majestic, the wild water buffalo is one of the most historically revered animals.
The wild water buffalo can be found in different colorations, including ash-gray to black.
You Might be Interested in These Animals Articles:
11 Animals that Use EcholocationExamples of Animals that Chew CudExamples of Ruminants16 Examples of Animals that Migrate17 Animals that Eat their Babies
Black animals are majestic, but there is a sense of mystery connected to black animals, too.
The prime example of this is black crows, which are often seen in movies or novels.
My mission is to write valuable and entertaining information about animals and pets for my audience.