Southern caspian turtle
A species of Bataguridae, Also known as Spot-bellied caspian turtle Scientific name : Mauremys caspica Genus : Bataguridae
Southern caspian turtle, A species of Bataguridae
Also known as:
Spot-bellied caspian turtle
Scientific name: Mauremys caspica
Genus: Bataguridae
Content
Description General Info
Photo By kseniiamarianna , used under CC-BY-4.0 /Cropped and compressed from original 
Description
The Caspian turtle or striped-neck terrapin (Mauremys caspica) is a species of turtle in the family Geoemydidae (=Bataguridae), living in the eastern Mediterranean region from southwestern former USSR and central Iran to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Israel, and Lebanon, northward through Turkey to Bulgaria, and through Cyprus, Crete, and the Ionian Peninsula to former Yugoslavia.
General Info
Lifespan
15-25 years
Diet
Southern caspian turtle primarily consumes a diet rich in aquatic vegetation, supplemented with small invertebrates. Preferring softer plant parts, it also scavenges on dead fish and amphibian matter when available.
Appearance
Southern caspian turtle is a medium-sized freshwater turtle, typically 20 cm in length, with a slightly domed, oval-shaped shell. Its shell varies in color from olive to dark brown, often exhibiting darker spots. The turtle's skin is smooth, glossy, and features the same color variation as the shell. Notably, it possesses a flattened tail and webbed feet. Irrespective of gender or age, southern caspian turtle's appearance remains relatively consistent with minor variations in size.
Behavior
Southern caspian turtle is predominantly solitary, best characterized by its basking behavior, spending much of the day in or near water sources. This species exhibits some territorial tendencies, particularly males during mating season. Intriguingly, southern caspian turtle partakes in 'plastron rocking', a unique survival behavior where it rocks its shell to escape predators. It hibernates during winter in buried mud holes, an adaptation to its temperate habitat.
Scientific Classification
Phylum
Chordates Class
Reptiles Order
Testudines Family
Neotropical wood turtles Genus
Bataguridae Species
Southern caspian turtle 
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