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Turtles in the Desert

Turtles, members of the Testudines order, are reptiles known for thriving in a large range of environments. The term "turtle" includes similar animals such as tortoises and terrapins. Given the turtle's ability to live in a variety of locations, it's no surprise that two species of turtle and two types of tortoise inhabit desert environments --- specifically, the Sonoran and Mojave deserts and Northern Mexico.

Sonoran Mud Turtle
- This breed of turtle is predominately found in the U.S. in Arizona, Texas and California, as well as in parts of Mexico. This turtle can be found in deserts, but it generally lives in grasslands, woodlands and fir forests. The Sonoran mud turtle tends to grow to around 6 1/2 inches in length and is recognizable for its high-domed carapace, or shell, and the yellow-brown or light brown coloring of that shell. Markings often cover this breed's neck and head, while the tails of male Sonoran mud turtles end in hooked tips. The Sonoran mud turtle is both a scavenger and a hunter, depending on the environment in which it lives. It tends to stick to streams, in which it finds creatures such as frogs to feed on. The Sonoran mud turtle also eats insects and worms. This turtle's breeding season runs from May to September, with females laying between two and nine eggs a year.
Desert Box Turtle
- The desert box turtle alters in color as it ages. Younger turtles possess a yellow shell, marked with brown or black lines, while older animals lose these markings and are left simply with yellow or tan shells. Desert box turtles have hinged shells and can withdraw entirely into these shells if they desire. The desert box turtle feeds on plants, although its diet predominately consists of other creatures, ranging from insects such as beetles to carrion.
Agassiz's Desert Tortoise
- The Agassiz's desert tortoise, an inhabitant of the Mojave Desert, is similar to the Morafka's desert tortoise --- so much so that scientists once thought they were the same species. The Agassiz's desert tortoise possesses a wider shell than its relative, recognizable by its particularly domed shape. This tortoise inhabits the lowlands and valleys near the north of the Colorado River and to the west.
Morafka's Desert Tortoise
- In contrast to its relative, the Agassiz's desert tortoise, this breed has a relatively flat shell and short scales around its rear end. A native of the Sonoran Desert, this tortoise lives on hillsides and in rocky areas. Like the Agassiz's desert tortoise though, this species of tortoise spends much of its time underground in burrows. It eats plants, such as the herbs and cactus native to the Sonoran Desert.

Animals & Science