Description: A small to medium-sized turtle (females to 8.5 in. = 216 mm
shell length, males to 5.5 in. = 140 mm) of tidal and salt marsh habitats but
otherwise resembling freshwater turtles. Each large scale on back bears
concentric grooves and rings or dark and light markings, often with center
area slightly raised and of different color than background. Colors vary
among regions of Florida, which includes ranges of five races. Head, neck
and legs often light with many dark dots, but sometimes streaks. Upper
shell (carapace) with low, central keel, sometimes knobbed. Horny
covering of beak usually broad and light, giving appearance of a smile.
Hatchlings typically with large bulbous knobs down center of back.
State possession limit of two turtles; illegal to buy or sell
species or its parts.
Field Guide to the Rare Animals of Florida Florida Natural Areas Inventory, 2001
Atlantic coast© Carla VanNessGulf coast© Barry Mansellhatchling
© Dale R. Jackson
DIAMONDBACK TERRAPIN Malaclemys terrapin
Similar Species: Closely related map turtles (Graptemys: see accounts for
G. barbouri and G. ernsti), which are restricted to panhandle rivers,
tend to have high mid-central ridge on back (reduced in large females),
olive-colored shells, and yellow streaks and blotches rather than dark dots
on skin. River cooters (see Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis account)
may enter estuarine waters but have yellow stripes on head and neck, and
no knobs on back.
Habitat: Salt and brackish waters only, occurring in marshes, tidal creeks,
bays, and lagoons. Often associated with mangroves in southern Florida.
Sandy beaches and berms used for nesting; may bask on oyster bars at low
Seasonal Occurrence: Active mostly in daytime March - December,
potentially year-round in south. Large breeding aggregations have been
observed in Brevard County in March and Ap