Reptile · GBIF taxon 2443212
Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapinAlso known as Diamond-backed Terrapin, Saltmarsh Terrapin
Diamondback terrapins are the only turtles in North America adapted exclusively to life in brackish coastal tidal marshes and estuaries. Specialized salt glands behind their eyes excrete excess salt, allowing them to thrive where freshwater and sea meet. Concentric diamond-shaped rings ornament each scute on their carapace, giving every individual a uniquely striking appearance as they forage for hard-shelled prey.
ReptileCoastalBrackish
—observations
—countries
—peak records
VulnerableConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXVulnerableRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Marsh Periwinkles
- Fiddler Crabs
- Ribbed Mussels
Predators
- Raccoons
- Gulls
- Ghost Crabs
ThreatsCrab trap drowning, coastal development, sea level rise, nest predation, and road mortality
HabitatsSalt marshes, brackish estuaries, tidal creeks, coastal bays, and mangrove swamps
Life span25–40 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- FamilyEmydidae
- GenusMalaclemys
- SpeciesMalaclemys terrapin
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Powerful jaws built for crushing shell can deliver a painful bite if handled.
- What to notice
- Look for distinct light grey spotted skin and concentric rings on the shell in brackish waters.
- Support conservation
- Give nesting females wide berth on sandy coastal dunes during spring and early summer nesting runs.
Responsible observation
- Observe from Shore: Use binoculars to spot them floating with head and snout exposed in quiet tidal creeks.
- Help Road Crossers: Move females crossing coastal roads safely in the direction they were already traveling.
- Use Safe Crab Traps: Install Bycatch Reduction Devices on commercial and recreational crab pots.
Close Relative “Jonathan Zander (Digon3)" / CC BY-SA 3.0 · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Peter Paplanus, some rights reserved (CC BY) · cc-by
Close Relative MH Herpetology / CC BY-SA 4.0 · cc-by-sa
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