Holy men who met their unholy ends
The 37 species of Agama are widespread throughout sub-Saharan Africa, but it's the male red-headed rock agama, replete with rust-colored face, that's the best known.
With its woolly body and pink and yellow coloration, this tiny North American moth resembles a cuddly toy.
The clownfish is found in the colder waters of the Indo-Pacific regions and the Red Sea, where shallow seas and sheltered reefs are its preferred hangouts.
This long slender reptile is also known as the Asian vine snake. Native to southern Asia, the snake's fluorescent green coat is quite splendid.
It's odd that a crab so colorful in appearance is predominantly nocturnal in nature. It patrols the sands of the Pacific coast.
Even the simplest of organisms can boast a colorful and attractive skin. This species is found in the Indo-Pacific and East Atlantic.
A species originating in East Asia but also introduced into parts of Europe, the mandarin male enjoys handsome and flamboyant looks.
Distinguished for its shimmering metallic colors, this species is present in the hot, dry desert regions of the world.
Native to the Pacific Ocean, this resplendent species is often cited as the most beautiful fish in the ocean. But beware. It's poisonous!
A particularly radiant species of sea slug that calls the tropical waters of the central Indo-Pacific region home.
A member of the jumping spider family, this arachnid is resident to specific areas of Australia, including Tasmania.
You can spot this bird throughout sub-Saharan Africa and the southern Arabian peninsula.
Noted for its lustrous metallic blue and green plumage, this bird is found throughout the Malay Archipelago region. Interestingly, it is the closest living relative of the extinct dodo.
Anyone visiting Costa Rica should look out for this diminutive hummingbird. The male has a distinctive coppery crown and rump with a whole green belly.
As their name suggests, these monkeys are native to Zanzibar and rank among the most attractive of the species. Currently, its status is endangered.
Another vivid sea slug (nudibranch). This one is found in the Western Pacific Ocean.
These large radiant blue butterflies are found in South and Central America, and also in parts of North America.
Pictured is a bicolor parrotfish in a terminal phase of color, which means it's changed into a male after being born a dark brown female. Yes, this species is a sequential hermaphrodite.
A resident of Australia, the bird is also known as the rainbow finch. Both sexes are brightly colored.
It's the male of the species that radiates the bright orange plumage. The bird can be found in Africa, south of the Equator.
These colorful crabs thrive on the soft coral found throughout the Indo-Pacific region.
This is a particularly striking species of sea slug, or nudibranch. The rocks and coral reefs in the tropical Indo-Pacific Ocean are the place to see them.
Native to North America, the best times to admire this vivid insect are morning and evening, in full sun.
A blushing pink katydid is an extremely rare example of a condition called erythrism—a congenital condition of abnormal redness in an animal's fur, plumage, or skin. They are usually green!
Despite its unique transparent wings, the South American glasswing makes this list because it "appears" to achieve coloration by virtue of its see-through wings. Clever!
Endemic to the wetlands of central Africa, these primates are distinguished by their orange forehead and magnificent beard.
Clad in white, red, and maroon stripes, this venomous coral reef fish is mesmerizing in its appearance. It shows off in the Indo-Pacific region.
This handsome but deadly frog is found in parts of Brazil and northeastern South America.
Mandrills are the world's largest monkeys and endowed with exceptionally colorful faces.
The animal kingdom is just as colorful as it is diverse. But what are the brightest and flashiest creatures on the planet?
Click and be amazed by some dazzling wildlife. It will add a little color to your day.
Nature's most colorful creatures
The gorgeous and dynamic colors present in Earth's wildlife
LIFESTYLE Wildlife
The animal kingdom is just as colorful as it is diverse. But what are the brightest and flashiest creatures on the planet?
Click and be amazed by some dazzling wildlife. It will add a little color to your day.