reptile · GBIF taxon 2443212
Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapinAlso known as Terrapin, Saltmarsh Terrapin
Diamondback terrapins are the only North American turtles that live exclusively in brackish coastal waters, navigating tidal marshes, estuaries, and lagoons. They are easily recognized by the concentric, diamond-like rings on their shells and their beautifully speckled grey or white skin. Females grow nearly twice the size of males, using their powerful, crushing jaws to feed on hard-shelled marsh prey.
EstuarineBrackishSemi-aquatic
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- diet
- Carnivorous, focusing on crabs, snails, clams, and carrion
- family
- Emydidae
- threats
- Crab pot drowning, coastal development, road mortality during nesting, and nest predation
- life Span
- 25 to 40 years
VU
Possesses powerful crushing jaws; handle only when necessary to help them cross roads safely.
- Roadside Assistance: Help nesting females cross coastal roads in the direction they are heading.
- Crab Trap Safety: Use bycatch reduction devices on crab pots to prevent terrapin drowning.
- Quiet Observation: Watch them basking on mudflats at low tide using binoculars to avoid startling them.