Hobbies And Interests
Habitat
The main distinguishing feature of terrapins is their habitat. While turtles can live in either fresh or seawater, terrapins are found in salty swamp areas where the water is salty but less so than seawater. Terrapins spend time on both land and water. In contrast, turtles spend most of their lives in the water and tortoises live on land.
Size
The diamondback terrapin is the only terrapin found in the United States. Diamondback terrapins are usually smaller than other turtles and their name reflects their size. The name "terrapin" is derived from an Algonquian Indian word "torope," which means "little turtle." However, while diamondback terrapins are small, the river terrapin in Southeast Asia can be bigger than a human child.
Diamondback Terrapin
The diamondback terrapin is named after the diamond-shaped markings on its shell. Their top shell can be medium gray, brown or black, while its skin can range from light gray to black. Their bottom shell can be yellow, green or black and may have dark splotches. Adult female diamondback terrapins range from 6 to 9 inches while males range from 4 to 6 inches. The diamondback terrapin is found along the Eastern and Southern United States' coast, from Massachusetts all the way down to Texas. Their diet includes small hard-shelled prey, such as snails and crabs, fish and plants.
River Terrapin
The river terrapin is a critically endangered species found in Southeast Asia. River terrapins are large animals. Adult females, which are bigger than adult males, can have a shell length of 24 inches and weigh up to 77 lbs. They have an upturned snout and four front claws. Another distinguishing feature is the hard shelf, a secondary palate, in their upper jaw. This secondary palate help crush their food, which consists mostly of fruits and plants.