Lapling — memory alpha

The lapling was a small, defenseless animal, believed to be extinct until one was found in Kivas Fajo's collection in 2366. It was characterized by large, blue compound eyes, brown skin, and a large mouth. Jett Reno described them as "fuzzy, mean like a koala, cute like a targ." (TNG: "The Most Toys"; SA: "Vitus Reflux")

Next to a pair of Corvan gilvos, models of a white rhinoceros and a Draco lizard, a life-size model of a lapling was among the exhibits in a science lab aboard the USS Enterprise-D. A special presentation for the school children about endangered and extinct animals was held there in 2368. (TNG: "New Ground")

The Laplings were the varsity sports team name for Starfleet Academy before the Burn, and again after the Academy was recommissioned in 3195. Their mascot was Lappy the lapling. (SA: "Beta Test", "Vitus Reflux")

The lapling was a hand puppet created by Michael Westmore. It bore a striking resemblance to a creature in the 1986 movie "The Flight of the Navigator", and may have been the same puppet.

The Star Trek Encyclopedia, 4th ed., vol. 1, p. 454 mistakenly identified Grand Nagus Quark's pet in the episode "The Nagus" as a lapling-like creature. The animal was actually a Corvan gilvo.