Diamondback terrapin
A species of Diamondback terrapins, Also known as Eastern florida diamond-backed terrapin, Carolina diamond-backed terrapin, Salt marsh turtle Scientific name : Malaclemys terrapin Genus : Diamondback terrapins
Diamondback terrapin, A species of Diamondback terrapins
Also known as:
Eastern florida diamond-backed terrapin, Carolina diamond-backed terrapin, Salt marsh turtle
Scientific name: Malaclemys terrapin
Genus: Diamondback terrapins
Content
Description General Info
Photo By apistopanchax , used under CC-BY-NC-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin) or simply terrapin, is a species of turtle native to the brackish coastal tidal marshes of the eastern and southern United States, and in Bermuda. It belongs to the monotypic genus, Malaclemys. It has one of the largest ranges of all turtles in North America, stretching as far south as the Florida Keys and as far north as Cape Cod.
General Info
Lifespan
25-40 years
Diet
Diamondback terrapin primarily subsists on a carnivorous diet, extensively predating on aquatic invertebrates. Their menu predominantly includes snails, clams, mussels, and crustaceans, along with occasional fish and insects.
Appearance
Diamondback terrapin is a medium-sized aquatic turtle with diamond-shaped, grooved carapace. Its skin color ranges from light gray to dark-green with unique markings and wavy lines. Diamondback terrapin posesses webbed hind feet for efficient swimming. Females are larger and heavier than males, with stronger jaws to crack open hard-shell prey. Adult males have long, thick tails while females have shorter tails.
Behavior
Diamondback terrapin is predominantly aquatic, with a carnivorous diet consisting mainly of mollusks and crustaceans. These turtles have uniquely hinged jaws for crushing shells. Females display natal homing behavior, returning annually to their place of birth to nest. Despite being primarily solitary, they exhibit some communal nesting. They represent a territorial species, with males controlling specific water areas during mating season.
Population
Decreasing
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Terrapins Genus
Diamondback terrapins Species
Diamondback terrapin 
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