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The change from daytime to nighttime creates a world of difference for animals. Wildlife biologists sort animals into three categories based on the time of day when they are most active. Diurnal animals are most active during the daytime. Nocturnal animals are most active at night. There is also a third, less well-known category: crepuscular animals. Crepuscular animals are most active at dusk and dawn.

These categories are not always clear-cut. Animals may shift between categories depending on conditions. For example, some animals that are normally nocturnal or diurnal become crepuscular for part of the year to avoid extreme heat or extreme cold.

Additionally, animals will adjust their behavior depending on their habitat. An animal species that is crepuscular in a mild climate may be fully nocturnal in hotter parts of its range to avoid overheating. Furthermore, human activity impacts the behaviors of animals, including the times of day when animals are most active. Wild and domestic animals living in close quarters with humans may alter their natural patterns of activity and rest.

Let’s take a closer look at nocturnal, diurnal, and crepuscular animals!

Nocturnal Animals

Nocturnal animals are most active at night!

Benefits: coolest temperatures to prevent overheating; prey can avoid diurnal predators like hawks and eagles

Challenges: difficulties seeing in the dark for some animals; in winter or in cold climates, it is difficult to stay warm enough at nighttime; nocturnal predators like owls are active

Examples: bats, owls, some rodents, raccoons, moths, badgers, some frogs and toads, geckos

Diurnal Animals

Diurnal animals are most active in the daytime!

Benefits: full daylight makes it easy to see; easy time to stay warm enough; prey can avoid nocturnal predators like owls

Challenges: in summer or hot climates, it is easiest to overheat during the daytime; diurnal predators like hawks and eagles are active

Examples: many snakes and other reptiles, hummingbirds, hawks, eagles, falcons, ducks, bees, butterflies, moose

Crepuscular Animals

Crepuscular animals are most active during twilight – at dusk and/or dawn!

Benefits: cooler temperature than daytime; partial light for visibility

Challenges: for prey animals, many predators are also active at this time

Examples: deer, cougars, some rabbits and hares, some songbirds, coyotes, foxes, some beetles, some frogs and toads

Nature Journaling Activity

Head out to a natural area in the middle of the day. Sit for 10-15 minutes as you look and listen for animals that are active during the day. Make a list of all the diurnal animals that you observed. Then brainstorm some benefits and drawbacks of being active during the daytime.

Repeat this exercise at either dawn or dusk to observe crepuscular animals, and at night to observe nocturnal animals. Compare your lists.

New to nature journaling? There are many wonderful options for guided nature journals and hand-made notebooks on Etsy. Here are a few popular options to help get you started with nature journaling:

• Nature journal for kids (various grade levels available) – guided
• A beautiful bird-watching log for birders – unguided
• Personalized kids’ natural journal – guided w/ prompts
• Personalized refillable leather notebook – blank journal

Studying Animal Adaptations?

Animal adaptations (including nocturnal, diurnal, and crepuscular activities) is one of many topics covered in my Desert Unit! Your students will love this illustrated activity set, plus you’ll support Wild Earth Lab with your unit purchase!

More Units from Wild Earth Lab:

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