Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin
Named for the diamond-shaped growth rings on its top shell, the diamondback terrapin is light brown, gray or black on top with a bottom shell that ranges from yellow to olive in color. The turtle's whitish skin is covered with black spots and squiggly marks in a pattern that is unique to each individual.
Length 7.5 inches (females); 5 inches (males)
Weight 1.5 lbs (females);
0.5 lbs (males)
Lifespan 25-40 years
Diet
Staples Fish, snails, worms, clams, crabs and marsh plants
Range
The diamondback terrapin is found along the Atlantic Coast of the eastern United States from Cape Cod to the Florida Keys and west along the Gulf Coast to Texas.
Behavior
The diamondback terrapin is believed to be the only turtle in the world that lives exclusively in brackish water (containing some salt, but not as much as ocean water), habitats like tidal marshes, estuaries and lagoons. Most terrapins hibernate during the winter by burrowing into the mud of marshes. Although diamondback terrapins live in tidal marshes, estuaries and lagoons, their preferred nesting sites are sandy beaches.
ReproductionMating Season May and June or July
Gestation Around 60 days.
Clutch size 8-12 eggs
The gender of the offspring is determined by temperature – a higher nest temperature produces more females while a lower nest temperature produces more males. The hatchlings emerge from August to October and are completely on their own. Only 1 to 3% of the eggs laid produce a hatchling, and the number of hatchlings that survive to adulthood is believed to be similarly low.
After hatching, some of the young occasionally remain in the nest during the first winter although most emerge and enter the nearest body of water.
Threats
The diamondback terrapin is threatened by habitat destruction, road construction (terrapins are common roadkill) and drowning in crab traps.
Legal Status/Protection
The diamondback terrapin is officially protected by several individual states.
How You Can Help
- Help Diamondback terrapins and other wildlife by adopting an animal at our Wildlife Adoption Center.
- Take Action for Wildlife at our Wildlife Action Center.
For additional information
Gems of the Chesapeake
University of Delaware
University of Georgia
