Diamond Back Terrapins

Diamond Back Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)

         Diamond Back Terrapin’s are found along the Atlantic coast from Cape Cod to the Florida Keys and over to Texas. This species of turtle shows sexual dimorphism when it comes to their size. Male Diamond Back Terrapin’s are smaller in size ranging from 4-6 inches in length whereas a female ranges in size from 6-10 inches. There has been as correlation between size and temperature with this species. The regions that are typically warmer in temperature tend to contain larger Diamond Back Terrapins than those of cooler, more northern regions. These turtles like to hang around brackish waters, coastal marshes, tidal flats, and estuaries.  They are a carnivorous species that likes to eat snails, crabs, oysters, clams and insects.

          The common name of this species refers to the diamond pattern that is found on the top of their shell. All Diamond Back Terrapin have a unique pattern of wiggly, black markings or spots on their body and head. The shape of their shell is usually wider in at the back than in the front. From an above view, the shape of the turtles shell looks wedge shaped. The coloration of this species varies greatly. Its’ shell can vary from browns to grays, and its body color can be grey, brown, yellow, or white.  Lastly, since these turtles live around aquatic environments, they all have webbed feet which are useful when these turtles need to swim.

          These turtles are well adaptive to near shore marine environments and are able to survive in varying salinities. They can live in full strength salt water for extended periods of time because their skin is highly impermeable to salt. A key adaption this species displays is the presence and use of its lachrymal salt glands. These glands are primarily used when these turtles are dehydrated. These turtle can also distinguish the difference when drinking waters of different salinity. When they need fresh water they exhibit an unusual and sophisticated behavior. After a rainfall they skim the top layer of fresh water that lies on top of salt water and sometimes are even seen with their head pointed in the air with their mouths wide open to catch the falling rain drops.

          I have personally seen this turtle when I was vacationing in Avon, North Carolina. I was walking back to my condo after fishing off of Avon Pier and walked by a pond of water where a couple of Diamond Back Terrapins were. I was able to catch one and I kept it for a day as a temporary pet. That night it was raining and I witnessed the turtle catching water with his head pointed up to the sky and with his mouth open. The next day I released him back into the pond when I was walking back out to the pier.