| Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) |
| Synonyms: Emys concentrica, Emys terrapin, Emys macrocephalus, Clemmys terrapin, (see The Reptile Database for more synonyms) |
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Malaclemys terrapin inhabits the narrow coastal strip on the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico coasts of the United States, from Cape Cod, to southern Florida and Texas (Map); it also occurs Bermuda, where it might have arrived on its own. This species lives in saltwater marshes dominated by Spartina grasses, and mangrove swamps. Seven subspecies are recognized, including Texas Diamondback Terrapin (M. t. littoralis) shown on this page. The carapace is brown or grey, with concentric ridges in each scute. The head and limbs are grey, brown, yellow, or white, usually with black streaks or spots. The upper lip is white. This species is sexually dimorphic, the males reach ca. 13 cm in carapace length and ca. 300 g in weight, whereas the females 19-23 cm and 500-1,000 g respectively. Mating takes place in early spring, and the females excavate nests in sand dunes from late April to July, laying 6-11 eggs per clutch, up to three clutches a year. The eggs hatch after 60-85 days, and the hatchlings emerge from the nest in late summer or early fall, but may overwinter in the nest. Adult Diamondback Terrapins likely hibernate, in the mud of creeks and marshes, in the colder parts of their range. M. terrapin feeds on marine gastropods, clams, fish, crustaceans, and carrion. This species, though still relatively common, lost nearly 75% of its habitat to coastal development and alteration. Adults drown in crab traps and are run over on roads, when searching for nest sites. Raccoons, foxes, gulls, and crows prey on eggs and hatchlings. Young turtles are collected for pet trade.
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