There are 59 nature words that start with the letter L. From Labrador to Lyrebird. Nature words encompass a vast array of terms that describe the natural world, including flora, fauna, geological formations, weather phenomena, and ecosystems. These words are essential in both scientific and everyday language, allowing for effective communication about the various elements and processes that shape our environment. The richness of natural vocabulary reflects the diversity and complexity of nature itself, ranging from common terms that anyone can understand to specialized terminology used by scientists and environmentalists. Understanding and utilizing nature words can enhance appreciation for the interconnectedness of life on Earth and the importance of preserving our natural resources.

An interesting fun fact about nature words is that many of them have etymological roots in ancient languages, such as Greek and Latin. For instance, the word “ecosystem” is derived from the Greek word “oikos,” meaning “house,” and “system,” indicating an organized whole. This etymology highlights how human language has evolved to describe nature and its intricate relationships over millennia, reflecting humanity’s enduring curiosity and connection to the environment.

Here’s what each of the columns in the table means:

Field: This column represents the specific area of study or interest related to the nature word, indicating whether it pertains to ecology, biology, geology, or another branch of natural sciences.

Definition: This column provides a concise and clear explanation of the term, giving users a straightforward understanding of what the word means in the context of nature.

Description: This column offers additional context or elaboration about the term, which may include examples, usage, relevance in scientific research, or significance in ecological discussions, providing a more comprehensive understanding of the word’s application and importance.

Nature words That Start With L

Nature words field definition
Labrador Nature A breed of retriever dog known for its friendly, intelligent, and hardworking nature, commonly used as service and guide dogs.
Lace Bug Insect A type of bug that feeds on plants and has a delicate lacelike appearance
Lacewing Insect An insect with fragile, netlike wings that feeds on aphids and other small insects
Lady’s Slipper Plant A type of orchid with a distinctive pouch-shaped flower
Ladybird Nature A small beetle-like insect, typically brightly colored, that feeds on aphids and other small insects.
Ladybird Beetle Insect A small beetle known for its bright, spotted appearance
Lagomorph Mammal A mammal that includes rabbits, hares, and pikas
Lagoon Ecosystem A shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a reef or barrier
Lakeland Terrier Nature A breed of terrier dog originating from the Lake District of England, known for its bold, energetic, and intelligent temperament.
Lamb’s-Quarters Plant A common weed in gardens and fields that is edible and nutritious
Lamellibranch Mollusk A bivalve mollusk, such as a clam or oyster
Laminaria Seaweed A type of large, brown seaweed
Lammergeier Bird A large, Old World vulture found in mountainous regions of Europe, Asia, and North Africa.
Lamprey Fish A primitive, eel-like fish characterized by a circular, sucker-like mouth.
Lanceolate Plant A leaf shape that is long and narrow, tapering at both ends
Land Crab Crustacean A type of crab that lives primarily on land, found in tropical and subtropical coastal regions.
Land Snail Mollusk A terrestrial snail that lives on land
Landscape Larch Leaf-Cutter Ant
Landscaping Horticulture The art of arranging and modifying the features of a yard or garden
Larch Nature A deciduous coniferous tree, known for its needle-like foliage that turns golden yellow in the autumn before shedding.
Largemouth Bass Fish A freshwater fish known for its large, wide mouth and aggressive behavior
Lark Nature A small, typically brown or gray, songbird known for its melodious, high-pitched song, often heard in open fields and meadows.
Larva Zoology The immature, worm-like form of some animals before metamorphosis
Lasso Nature A long, coiled rope used to catch and restrain livestock, especially cattle, in ranching and rodeo activities.
Laurel Nature An evergreen shrub or tree with dark green, leathery leaves, often used in landscaping and for its aromatic, flavorful leaves.
Leaf Nature The flat, usually green, structure attached to the stem of a plant that is the primary site of photosynthesis.
Leaf Beetle Insect A type of beetle that feeds on the leaves of plants
Leaf-Tailed Gecko Reptile A type of gecko with a broad, flattened tail that resembles a leaf
Leafhopper Nature A small, jumping insect that feeds on the sap of plants, often causing damage to crops and gardens.
Leatherback Sea Turtle Reptile The largest living turtle species, known for its distinctive, leathery shell and deep-sea diving capabilities.
Leatherback Turtle Nature The largest living species of sea turtle, known for its large size, leathery shell, and long migrations across the oceans.
Leatherleaf Plant An evergreen shrub with tough, leather-like leaves
Lemming Nature A small, stocky rodent found in the Arctic tundra, known for its periodic population explosions and mass migrations.
Lemur Mammal A type of primate found only on the island of Madagascar, known for its distinctive features and behavior.
Lenticel Botany A pore in the bark of a woody plant that allows gas exchange
Leopard Mammal A large, powerful cat species known for its distinctive spotted coat and hunting prowess.
Lichen Nature A composite organism that forms a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria, growing on rocks, trees, and other surfaces.
Lightning Bug Nature A type of beetle that produces bioluminescent light, often seen glowing in the evening in grassy areas and forests.
Lily Nature A flowering plant with large, showy blooms that come in a variety of colors, often with a distinctive, trumpet-shaped appearance.
Lily of the Valley Nature A small, delicate flowering plant with small, bell-shaped white flowers and a distinctive, sweet scent.
Limber Pine Nature A hardy, high-altitude coniferous tree found in the Rocky Mountains and other mountainous regions of western North America.
Limpet Nature A type of small, cone-shaped marine mollusk that attaches tightly to rocks and other surfaces in the intertidal zone.
Lionfish Nature A venomous, predatory fish with distinctive, feathery fins, native to the Indo-Pacific region but now found in other parts of the world.
Liverwort Nature A small, non-vascular plant that typically grows on moist, shaded surfaces such as rocks, soil, and the bark of trees.
Lizard Nature A type of reptile that typically has a long body, four legs, and a tail, and is known for its ability to regenerate lost body parts.
Llama Nature A large, domesticated camelid native to the Andes Mountains of South America, known for its gentle temperament and use as a pack animal.
Lobster Nature A large, marine crustacean with a hard, segmented shell and large, powerful claws, prized for its sweet, succulent meat.
Locust Nature A type of large, migratory grasshopper that can form swarms, devastating crops and vegetation over wide areas.
Logger Nature A worker involved in the logging industry, responsible for harvesting and processing trees and timber from forested areas.
Loggerhead Shrike Nature A medium-sized songbird known for its predatory behavior, impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire to eat later.
Longleaf Pine Nature A large, slow-growing pine tree native to the southeastern United States, adapted to frequent, low-intensity fires.
Loon Nature A large, aquatic bird with a distinctive black and white plumage, known for its haunting, yodeling call and expert diving abilities.
Lotus Nature A flowering aquatic plant with large, flat leaves and showy, fragrant blooms that emerge from the water’s surface.
Louse Nature A small, wingless insect that lives as a parasite on the bodies of mammals, birds, and other animals, feeding on their blood or skin.
Lovage Nature An aromatic, perennial herb with celery-like foliage and a strong, distinctive flavor, often used in soups, stews, and other dishes.
Lungfish Nature A type of freshwater fish that has both gills and primitive lungs, allowing it to survive in low-oxygen environments.
Lupine Nature A flowering plant with distinctive, pea-like blooms that grow in tall, erect spikes, often seen in meadows and alpine environments.
Lynx Nature A medium-sized wild cat known for its distinctive tufted ears, short tail, and powerful paws adapted for hunting in snowy environments.
Lyrebird Nature A large, ground-dwelling Australian bird known for its ability to mimic a wide range of sounds, including other birds, animals, and even human-made noises.

Descriptions

Labrador
Labrador retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds, known for their affectionate, loyal, and obedient personalities. They excel in various roles, including as service dogs, guide dogs, and hunting companions.
Lace Bug
Lace bugs are small insects that live on the underside of leaves. They get their name from their intricate, lacelike patterns on their wings and body.
Lacewing
Lacewings are green or brown insects with large, transparent wings. As adults they feed on nectar, but their larvae are voracious predators of aphids, mealybugs, and other small pests.
Lady’s Slipper
Lady’s slippers are a group of orchids known for their unique, slipper-shaped flowers. They come in a variety of colors including white, yellow, pink, and purple.
Ladybird
Ladybirds, also known as ladybugs, are beneficial insects that help control pests in gardens and agricultural settings. They are easily recognizable by their distinctive rounded shape and vibrant colors.
Ladybird Beetle
The ladybird beetle, also called the ladybug, is a small, rounded beetle that is typically bright red or orange with black spots. They are beneficial insects that eat aphids and other plant-damaging pests.
Lagomorph
Lagomorphs are a group of small to medium-sized mammals that include rabbits, hares, and pikas. They are herbivores known for their long ears, short fluffy tails, and powerful hind legs.
Lagoon
Lagoons are sheltered coastal bodies of water, often connected to the ocean but with limited water exchange. They provide important habitat for a variety of marine life.
Lakeland Terrier
Lakeland Terriers are small, agile dogs with a distinctive wiry coat and a feisty, fearless personality. They were originally bred to hunt foxes, rabbits, and other small prey in the rugged terrain of the Lake District.
Lamb’s-Quarters
Lamb’s-quarters is a leafy green plant that is closely related to quinoa. Its young leaves and shoots can be eaten raw or cooked, and it is a good source of vitamins and minerals.
Lamellibranch
Lamellibranchs are a class of bivalve mollusks that include clams, oysters, mussels, and scallops. They have two hinged shells and lack a distinct head, often living partially or completely buried in sand or mud.
Laminaria
Laminaria is a genus of large, brown seaweed that is commonly known as kelp. They are found in cool, shallow ocean waters and can grow to over 30 meters in length, forming underwater ‘forests’.
Lammergeier
Also known as the bearded vulture, the lammergeier has a wingspan of up to 2.9 meters and a distinctive ‘beard’ of long black feathers on its chin. It is known for its unique feeding habit of dropping bones from great heights to crack them open.
Lamprey
Lampreys are jawless, parasitic fish that lack scales and feed by attaching to and sucking the blood of other fish. They are found in rivers, lakes, and coastal marine environments throughout the Northern Hemisphere.
Lanceolate
A lanceolate leaf shape is one that is elongated and lance-like, being much longer than it is wide and tapering to a point at both the base and tip of the leaf.
Land Crab
Land crabs are crustaceans that have adapted to live predominantly on land, although they must return to the ocean to breed and release their larvae. They are known for their impressive migrations to the sea during spawning season.
Land Snail
Land snails are gastropod mollusks that live on land rather than in the water. They have coiled shells and move using a muscular foot, feeding on plants, fungi, and decaying organic matter.
Landscape
Leafhopper
Landscaping
Landscaping refers to the design and arrangement of the plants, structures, and other elements in an outdoor space to create an aesthetically pleasing and functional environment.
Larch
Larches are unique among conifers in that they lose their needles each fall, revealing their delicate, branching structure. These hardy trees are often found in mountainous regions and are valued for their timber and ornamental qualities.
Largemouth Bass
Largemouth bass are a popular game fish found in lakes and slow-moving rivers across North America. They are known for their voracious appetite and tendency to put up a strong fight when hooked.
Lark
Larks are a group of small passerine birds that are characterized by their distinctive, trilling songs. They are often seen soaring and singing above grasslands, farmland, and other open habitats, adding to the natural soundscape.
Larva
A larva is the immature, often worm-like, form of certain animals, such as insects and amphibians, that undergoes a significant transformation before becoming an adult.
Lasso
The lasso is a tool used by cowboys and ranchers to capture and control animals, particularly cattle and horses. It is a long, looped rope that is swung and thrown over the animal’s head or legs, allowing the user to pull the animal closer or restrain it.
Laurel
Laurel plants are known for their glossy, fragrant foliage and their use in culinary, medicinal, and ornamental applications. The leaves are commonly used as a seasoning in various cuisines, while the plants are also valued for their ornamental and landscaping potential.
Leaf
Leaves are the key structures responsible for photosynthesis in plants, converting sunlight, carbon dioxide, and water into the energy and nutrients the plant needs to grow and thrive. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, depending on the plant species.
Leaf Beetle
Leaf beetles are a diverse group of insects that feed on the foliage of a wide range of plants, including trees, shrubs, and agricultural crops. Some species can be agricultural pests, while others are important predators of other insects.
Leaf-Tailed Gecko
Leaf-tailed geckos are a group of nocturnal lizards found in Madagascar and nearby islands. Their distinctive leaf-like tails help them blend in with the foliage, providing camouflage from predators.
Leafhopper
Leafhoppers are a group of tiny, winged insects that have the ability to jump and hop quickly. They feed on the sap of various plants, which can lead to stunted growth, discoloration, and even the transmission of plant diseases if infestations are severe.
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Leatherback sea turtles are the heaviest, fastest-moving, and deepest-diving of all living sea turtles. They can reach over 2 meters in length and weigh up to 900 kg, and they are renowned for their ability to travel long distances and dive to depths of over 1,000 meters in search of their jellyfish prey.
Leatherback Turtle
Leatherback turtles are the largest of all living turtles, weighing up to 2,000 pounds. They are identified by their distinctive, leathery carapace and are known for their long-distance migrations between feeding and nesting grounds in tropical and subtropical waters around the world.
Leatherleaf
Leatherleaf is an evergreen shrub native to North America that is known for its thick, tough leaves that are shiny and ‘leatherlike’ in texture. It is often used in landscaping and floral arrangements.
Lemming
Lemmings are small, furry rodents that live in the Arctic tundra. They are known for their cyclical population booms, which can lead to dramatic mass migrations, often in the direction of the sea, though the reasons behind these behaviors are not fully understood.
Lemur
Lemurs are a group of primates endemic to the island of Madagascar. They are characterized by their pointed snouts, large eyes, and long, bushy tails, and they are known for their social behavior, including their distinctive vocalizations and group living arrangements.
Lenticel
A lenticel is a small, lens-shaped pore in the bark of woody plants that allows the exchange of gases, such as oxygen and carbon dioxide, between the plant’s interior and the outside environment.
Leopard
Leopards are large, solitary cats found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and mountainous regions, across sub-Saharan Africa and parts of Asia. They are known for their strength, agility, and stealth, as well as their distinctive spotted coats that provide excellent camouflage.
Lichen
Lichens are complex life forms that are the result of a symbiotic relationship between a fungus and an algae or cyanobacteria. They come in a wide variety of colors, forms, and textures, and are often used as indicators of air quality and environmental health.
Lightning Bug
Also known as fireflies, lightning bugs are beetles that are capable of producing a soft, glowing light through a process called bioluminescence. This natural light display is often seen in the summer evenings, particularly in damp, grassy areas and woodlands.
Lily
Lilies are a popular and diverse group of flowering plants known for their large, often highly fragrant blooms. They come in a wide range of colors, shapes, and sizes, and are valued for their beauty in gardens, as cut flowers, and for their symbolic associations.
Lily of the Valley
Lily of the valley is a charming, low-growing perennial plant with clusters of tiny, bell-shaped white flowers that emit a lovely, sweet fragrance. It is a popular choice for shady gardens and is often used in bouquets and floral arrangements.
Limber Pine
The limber pine is a resilient, slow-growing tree that is adapted to the harsh, high-elevation environments of the Rocky Mountains and other western mountain ranges. It is known for its flexible, twisted trunk and branches, as well as its impressive longevity, with some individuals living over 1,000 years.
Limpet
Limpets are a type of gastropod mollusk that cling firmly to rocks and other hard surfaces in coastal environments. They have a distinctive, conical shell shape that helps them resist being dislodged by waves and currents, and they play an important role in the ecology of rocky shorelines.
Lionfish
Lionfish are a species of venomous, predatory fish known for their striking, fan-like fins and vibrant coloration. They are native to the Indo-Pacific region but have been introduced to other areas, where they can have a significant impact on local marine ecosystems due to their voracious appetite and lack of natural predators.
Liverwort
Liverworts are a group of small, primitive plants that lack true roots, stems, and leaves. They are often found growing in moist, shaded habitats, such as on rocks, soil, and the bark of trees, and play an important role in the ecosystems where they occur.
Lizard
Lizards are a diverse group of reptiles that come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. They are known for their ability to shed their tails and regenerate them, as well as their adaptations for survival in a range of environments, from deserts to forests.
Llama
Llamas are large, long-necked camelids that are native to the Andes Mountains of South America. They are valued for their docile nature, their ability to carry heavy loads, and their soft, woolly fiber, which is used in textile production. Llamas are an important part of traditional Andean culture and economy.
Lobster
Lobsters are a type of large, marine crustacean known for their distinctive, hard shells and large, formidable claws. They are highly prized as a delicacy for their sweet, tender meat, and are an important commercial and recreational fishery in many coastal regions.
Locust
Locusts are a type of grasshopper that have the ability to undergo dramatic population explosions and form massive swarms that can devastate agricultural crops and natural vegetation over vast areas. These swarms can travel long distances, causing significant economic and environmental damage in affected regions.
Logger
Loggers are professionals who work in the forestry and logging industries, responsible for the harvesting, processing, and transportation of timber and other forest products. Their work is essential for the supply of raw materials for construction, paper production, and other industries that rely on wood and forest resources.
Loggerhead Shrike
The loggerhead shrike is a distinctive songbird with a hooked beak and a unique hunting behavior. These birds are known for impaling their prey, such as insects, small rodents, and even small birds, on thorns or barbed wire, which they use to tear apart and eat their food.
Longleaf Pine
The longleaf pine is a majestic, long-lived conifer that is native to the southeastern United States. It is known for its ability to withstand frequent, low-intensity fires, which are an essential part of its ecosystem, and its valuable timber and naval stores products.
Loon
Loons are large, waterbird species that are known for their striking black and white plumage, their impressive diving skills, and their iconic, haunting calls. They are skilled hunters, catching fish and other aquatic prey, and are commonly associated with pristine, remote lakes and waterways in northern regions.
Lotus
The lotus is a beautiful, iconic aquatic plant known for its large, flat leaves and stunning, fragrant flowers that emerge from the water’s surface. It has cultural and symbolic significance in many Asian traditions and is valued for its ornamental and culinary uses.
Louse
Lice are small, wingless insects that live as parasites on the bodies of various animals, including humans, mammals, and birds. They feed on the host’s blood or skin, and can cause irritation, discomfort, and the transmission of diseases in infested individuals.
Lovage
Lovage is a tall, perennial herb with large, celery-like leaves and a strong, distinctive flavor that is often compared to celery or parsley. It is commonly used in traditional European cuisines, adding a unique, savory element to soups, stews, and other dishes.
Lungfish
Lungfish are a unique group of freshwater fish that possess both gills and primitive lungs, which enables them to breathe air and survive in low-oxygen habitats. They are considered one of the closest living relatives to the first tetrapods, the ancestors of modern amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals.
Lupine
Lupines are a genus of flowering plants known for their vibrant, pea-like blooms that grow in tall, vertical spikes. They are commonly found in meadows, grasslands, and alpine environments, and are valued for their ornamental and ecological importance, as well as their potential use in agriculture and landscaping.
Lynx
The lynx is a medium-sized wild cat species characterized by its distinctive tufted ears, short tail, and large, furry paws that are adapted for hunting in snowy, boreal forest habitats. They are skilled predators, preying on small to medium-sized mammals, and are an important part of the ecosystem in the northern regions where they are found.
Lyrebird
The lyrebird is a large, ground-dwelling bird native to southeastern Australia that is renowned for its extraordinary vocal abilities. These birds can accurately mimic a vast array of sounds, including the calls of other birds, various animal noises, and even human-made sounds, such as camera clicks and chainsaws.

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