Diamondback terrapins are turtles that inhabit estuaries along the east and Gulf coasts of the United States. They range from Cape Cod, Massachusetts to northern Mexico. Terrapins were harvested in the late 1800’s through the early 1900’s as a food source with a high demand leading to reductions in their populations across their range. In the 1930’s, terrapins became less desirable food sources and populations increased in areas with good habitat, but not much is known about populations in certain areas. What make terrapins so interesting are their markings, which are highly variable and prominent. Reasons for the variation include genetic diversity and some variations in their patterns could be linked to environmental conditions.
About Friends of County Parks
The Friends of the County Parks, established in 1988, is a group of concerned citizens joining together to promote financial and community support to the Hillsborough County Parks, Recreation, and Conservation Department. They develop public awareness of recreation as an important part of day-to-day life.
Funds provided by The Friends of the County Parks are used as a supplement to the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department budget and does not replace allocated tax dollars. These additional funds helps maintain, improve, and enhance services provided by the Parks, Recreation and Conservation Department. The Friends of the County Parks enjoys a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit exemption status.
Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Fact Sheet
Name
Northern Diamondback Terrapin
o Malaclemys terrapin terrapin
‘Terrapin’ was the Lenni Lenape word for
‘little turtle’
o Terrapins, compared to other sea turtles,
were quite small
Physical
Reptiles
Cold Blooded
Lay eggs
o 4-20 clutch size in New Jersey
Feet are both webbed & clawed
o Only turtle specie to be like that
Differences between sexes
o Females
larger (to hold the eggs!)
Thinner, Shorter Tail
o Males
Smaller
Thicker, Longer tail
Terrapins (like all turtles) can not leave their shells!
o Their spine is infused into the carapace of the shell
Scute- an external scale or slate on the outside of a turtle shell
Carapace- top part of the Terrapin shell
o 24 Marginal Scutes outlining the Carapace
o 5 Vertebral Scutes located on the spine of the Carapace (Vertebrate!)
o 8 Costal Scutes, 4 on each side of the Vertebral, on the Carapace
Plastron- bottom part of the Terrapin shell
Bridge- part that connects the carapace to the plastron
Streamlined- shell is flatter than a land turtle’s, so that it can move through the water
quickly
Environment
Found in Brackish water- salt and fresh water mixture
o Ex. Barnegat Bay Estuary
Only species of turtle found in Barnegat Bay
Nest during the day and night
Lives in the bay for most of life, only coming on land to nest
Nesting season ranges from May to early August
Threats
Human interaction
o Crab pots
o Automobile & Boating accidents
Natural Predators on eggs
o Terrapins are especially vulnerable during their juvenile stage, and only one in
one hundred eggs make it to adulthood
o Mammals
Ex: red fox, mink and raccoons
o Birds
Ex: egret, gulls and crows
Natural
o In the egg
Drowning, desiccation, root penetration
o Rest of life
Hurricanes and other strong currents washing them out to sea