Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
Box and Basking Turtles (Emydidae)
Diamondback terrapin is a medium-sized turtle, reaching on average 5 in long for males and 7.5 in for females. Its shell color is brown to gray to black and body color ranges from brown, yellow, grey, to white. It has black spots and swiggly markings on its body and diamondlike concentric markings on its shell. Shell markings on upper shell (carapace) grooved and ridged. Carapace keeled. Lower shell (plastron) unhinged and usually lighter in color than carapace. The color variation and patterns vary greatly between the 7 subspecies. Breeding occurs in the early spring. Eggs are laid during the late spring to early summer in sandy marsh edges, sand dunes, or sand bars above the high tide mark. Two clutches per year laid frequently. It eats mainly mollusks, small crabs, and small fish. Found in brackish coastal wetlands along the Atlantic and Gulf coasts. Intolerant of long-term exposure to freshwater or full salt water. Has been over eaten by humans and considered a delicacy.
Endangered in RI; Threatened in MA; Species of Concern in GA, LA, NC, NJ, & VA; Protected species in AL.
Copyright by Brett Miley
