1. Invertebrates:
- Earthworms: These segmented worms spend their lives burrowing through soil, creating tunnels and enriching it with nutrients.
- Ants: Many species of ants construct intricate underground colonies with networks of tunnels and chambers for nesting, storing food, and raising young.
- Termites: Similar to ants, termites build extensive underground colonies with complex social structures and specialized castes.
- Burrowing beetles: Various beetle species, such as scarabs and ground beetles, live underground, digging tunnels and feeding on plant roots or organic matter.
2. Mammals:
- Prairie dogs: These social rodents live in large colonies, creating extensive burrow systems that can cover vast areas of grassland.
- Gophers: These small burrowing rodents construct underground tunnels and use them for shelter, storage of food, and access to different feeding grounds.
- Moles: Moles are specialized subterranean mammals known for their powerful digging abilities. They create complex tunnel networks and live almost exclusively underground.
- Armadillos: Armadillos have adapted to digging and burrowing with protective armor and strong claws. They create burrows for nesting and protection.
3. Amphibians:
- Burrowing frogs: Certain species of frogs, like the African bullfrog, have developed the ability to burrow underground and estivate during dry seasons or unfavorable conditions.
4. Reptiles:
- Burrowing snakes: Some snake species, such as sand boas and mole vipers, have evolved specialized scales and body shapes for burrowing and moving through loose substrates.
- Tortoises: Some tortoises, like the gopher tortoise, create burrows for shelter and temperature regulation.
5. Birds:
- Burrowing owls: As the name suggests, these small owls dig burrows or reuse abandoned burrows to nest and raise their young.
It's important to note that while these examples represent some of the more common underground-dwelling animals, there are many other species that have unique adaptations for subterranean life across various taxonomic groups.