Pond Turtles (Emydidae)

 

The Emydidae includes pond turtles, map turtles, cooters, sliders, and terrapins (10 genera and ca. 50 species). Most species occur in North America, and others in the West Indies, South America, Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia. Emydids are primarily freshwater turtles, although some inhabit brackish waters (Malaclemmys) or are terrestrial (Terrapene). The carapace measures 10-60 cm; it is domed or low-arching; male map turtles possess a central ridge (keel). The plastron is hinged or fixed. The limbs are adapted for swimming, with webbed toes. Nests are excavated in sandy and gravelly banks, clumps of rotting vegetation, beaver dams, roadsides, etc. Clutch size 2-30 eggs, although some species lay several clutches a year. Some emydids are carnivorous, feeding on aquatic invertebrates, fish, and carrion, while others are herbivorous.

 

		Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)
		Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)
		Wood Turtle (Glyptemys insculpta)
		Common Map Turtle (Graptemys geographica)
		Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin)
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