Stats

Lifespan: 25-40 yrs
Size: Medium
Diet: Carnivore
Activity: Diurnal
Social: Solitary
Biome: Coastal salt marsh
Range: North America
Movement: Swimming
Breeding: Egg-laying
Defense: Armor
Status: Vulnerable

About

The diamondback terrapin is the only turtle in North America adapted to live in the brackish tidal marshes of the Atlantic and Gulf coasts, ranging from Cape Cod to the Florida Keys. Its shell scutes form distinct concentric growth rings in a diamond pattern, and its pale, speckled skin has earned it the nickname "the salt marsh turtle."

Life cycle

1.
hatchling
A coin-sized hatchling digs out of the nest and makes its own way to water or shelter.
2.
juvenile
A juvenile turtle's shell hardens and grows yearly rings as it forages on its own.
3.
adult
Fully grown with adult shell size and markings.

Learn more

View on iNaturalist →

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Reptilia
Order: Testudines
Family: Emydidae
Genus: Malaclemys
Species: Malaclemys terrapin