12 Photos of Animals That You’d Never Expect Could Fly
3. Flying Frog – The Amphibian Acrobat
Wallace’s flying frog, native to the rainforests of Malaysia and Borneo, uses its webbed feet and skin flaps to glide up to 50 feet between trees. Unlike their leaping cousins, these frogs prefer soaring through the air to avoid predators like snakes and birds. Did you know their bright green skin helps them blend into treetops, while their red webbing confuses predators mid-flight? They’re living proof that frogs can leap to new heights—literally.
4. Flying Gecko – The Masters of Stealthy Gliding
Flying geckos are the ninjas of the forest. These Southeast Asian reptiles use flaps of skin along their bodies to glide up to 20 meters between trees. But gliding is just one of their superpowers—they’re also masters of disguise, blending perfectly into tree bark. Did you know they can lose their tails to escape predators and grow them back later? These tiny lizards have adapted to live in one of the world’s most competitive environments, proving that small size doesn’t mean small talent.
5. The Gliding “Lemur” That Isn’t a Lemur
Despite their name, flying lemurs aren’t true lemurs or flyers—they’re gliders! These mysterious mammals, found in Southeast Asia, can cover over 100 meters in one glide. Their skin membrane, stretching from their neck to tail, acts like a parachute. Colugos are so secretive that even scientists know little about them. Fun fact: baby colugos cling to their mothers’ bellies while gliding. They may not be actual flyers, but they’re still some of the most skilled navigators of the rainforest canopy.
6. Flying Dragon (Draco Lizard) – The Real-Life Mini Dragon
If dragons existed, they’d probably look like Draco lizards. “Flying dragons” extend elongated ribs covered with skin flaps to glide up to 30 feet. “Flying dragons” extend elongated ribs covered with skin flaps to glide up to 30 feet to hunt, escape predators, or impress potential mates. Males showcase vibrant color dewlaps to attract mates, making them airborne acrobats and visual wonders of Southeast Asia’s forests. Did you know they spend most of their lives in trees, rarely touching the ground? These tiny “dragons” prove that mythical creatures might not be so mythical after all.
7. Flying Squirrel – The Nighttime Gliders
Flying squirrels don’t just glide—they practically soar. These nocturnal rodents use a skin membrane called a patagium to leap between trees, sometimes traveling over 150 feet in one glide. Found across Asia, Europe, and the Americas, they’re social animals that often share nests. Did you know flying squirrels glow under UV light? Scientists think this helps them communicate in the dark. They’re adorable, acrobatic, and glowing—what’s not to love?
8. Flying Fox (Fruit Bat) – The Gentle Giants of the Sky
Flying foxes are the largest bats in the world, with wingspans that can exceed 5 feet. These gentle herbivores use their impressive flight skills to travel long distances in search of fruit, helping pollinate and spread seeds in tropical ecosystems. Found in Asia, Africa, and Australia, they often roost in massive colonies. Did you know flying foxes don’t use echolocation like other bats? Instead, they rely on sharp eyesight and a keen sense of smell.
9. Flying Fish – The Ocean’s Escape Artists
Flying fish are nature’s daredevils, leaping out of the water and gliding for up to 650 feet. They use their wing-like fins to evade predators like marlins and tuna by propelling themself out of the water with a powerful tail thrust. Found in tropical and subtropical oceans, they’ve been known to accidentally land in boats, much to the surprise of fishermen. Groups leaping together create mesmerizing ocean displays. Their mid-air jumps are so iconic that they’ve inspired cultural myths and legends. Did you know Barbados celebrates flying fish as a national symbol?
10. Flying Beetles – Winged Wonders in Disguise
Beetles like ladybugs and fireflies hide their flight capabilities under hard outer shells. Fireflies take it up a notch by lighting up the night sky during their flights, using bioluminescence to attract mates or warn predators. Ladybugs, on the other hand, use their flying skills to hunt aphids. Did you know Hercules beetles can carry objects 850 times their body weight? Beetles may not be the most graceful fliers, but their abilities make them evolutionary superstars.
11. Flying Ants – The Queens and Kings of the Air
Winged ants, or alates, aren’t your average flyers. During mating season, they take to the skies in swarms for a nuptial flight, a one-time journey to find mates and start new colonies. After mating, females shed their wings and become queens, while males die shortly after. Did you know not all ants can fly? Winged ants are often mistaken for termites, but their slender waists give them away. Their flights are short-lived but vital for their species’ survival.
12. Mobula Rays – The Acrobats of the Ocean
Mobula rays, often called “flying rays,” are the daredevils of the deep, launching themselves two meters into the air like oceanic trapeze artists. These flips, twists, and belly flops aren’t just for show—they’re thought to be a way to flirt, shout out to their buddies, or even shake off pesky parasites. Found in warm oceans across the globe, they often gather in schools of hundreds for an unforgettable airshow. Imagine dozens of massive rays soaring through the air at once—it’s like the underwater Cirque du Soleil you never knew you needed to see!
