Question ????
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I realize that I am going out on a limb here, but here goes: Would someone please tell me what is the difference between a turtle and a terrapin??? I realize that Terrapins are turtles, but when you look at some of the photos on this site, these are not your regular water turtles, right? or maybe they are not the regular ones that I see here in Texas…. Thanks….. Carolyn
Hello Carolyn, I’m I’ll just be the first of many to chime in here but the main thing I would say that makes the diamondback terrapin unique is that it is the only turtle that is found exclusively in brackish water (that being coastal waters with a lower salinity then the ocean from Massachusetts to Florida and along the Gulf of Mexico to S. Texas). Because of this it features some distinct adaptations such as large and powerful webbed feet in the rear to help it battle through strong currents. It’s also developed very powerful jaws with a beak capable of crushing mollusks and crustaceans found in its native habitat. As with many turtles, the females are much larger then males and they take a good many years to reach maturity but can live for decades. Perhaps one of the most compelling things about the diamondback is its appearance. There are seven subspecies all with slight variances in coloration, shell features, etc. What all have in common though is what gives the terrapin its name, its concentric scute ridges that were described as diamond-like by those who named it. To me, these turtles also retain the diamond nomenclature for a few other reasons. What other turtles can have bluish white skin with black leopard-like spots and blue/gray eyes? They are one of the most beautiful creatures in the world in my opinion and they can vary in appearance so much in just one region, literally from black to white in color. Out of all the turtles in the world, the terrapin seems to have some of the most personality and one of the closest associations with humans throughout its history. I grew up around the Chesapeake Bay and what drew me in at an early age was the diamondback’s history, which as odd as it may sound, is in many ways intertwined in America’s history. The Native American’s included the terrapin in their culture and as a revered source of food. In the colonial days terrapins were used as a staple food of many coastal slave plantations. For one reason or another during the industrial revolution and abolishment of slavery, terrapins became a delicacy served at more upscale restaurants around the country. It even came to the point where terrapins were so desired that their populations in the wild began to dwindle and they were almost driven to the brink of extinction. Terrapin farms were attempted with decent success and the terrapin even became the mascot for the University of Maryland. Demand was still high but the greatly reduced populations decreased the availability and luckily, there was then the tragedy of the great depression following the decadence of the 1920’s. People could no longer afford such fancy extravagances as terrapin soup and these amazing creatures were finally given the break that helped them bounce back. People’s taste for terrapin soup faded over the years and the main problem that plagued the diamondback was destruction of its fragile coastal habitat and careless bycatch by commercial seafood harvesters. Sadly, in recent years we started to see a huge influx of commercial harvesting of terrapins once again as a food source. This time it wasn’t to be found at the fine dining establishments in America. It was now in the Asian seafood markets where turtles are a much exploited and sought after food source. Only in the very recent history has much of this horribly irresponsible overharvesting been put to a halt. Sadly this was after thousands of hibernating turtles were ripped out from the mud, slammed into crates, and sent off to the frigid docks and markets only to be thrown into boiling pots sometimes with missing limbs due to them breaking off during the abuse of moving these tightly packed boxes in freezing temperatures. While once tagged as “America’s most celebrated turtle”, the truth of this may just now be starting to shine. As of now, conservationist are working hard to slowly chip away at bureaucracies to pass protective legislation, educators are helping to inform the public of the terrapin’s importance, and amazing folks like those here in this group who seek to research, captive breed, share knowledge, and find ways to enhance these incredible creature’s chance of survival both in captivity and in the wild. Sorry about the length of this response but I am quite passionate about this subject as you will find everyone else here to be as well. I hope this helped. -Scott McDaniel — In diamondbackterrapins@yahoogroups.com, “Carolyn”
Hi Carolyn and Scott -Carolyn I think that was a really good ?- I ( and im sure a few others) have wondered that as well just never asked!- -Scott– thanks for that informative bit of info.. you do seem to very passionate about them and its pretty obvious from this informative post!- I having only been a terrapin keeper for about a year now have never fallen in love with an animal species as I have these guys – different from any other turtle I have had, as they truely are full of zest and personality and seem to want to spend time with their owners, as they try to climb up your arm when given the chance! It truely does make me sick to think of the way this species has been exploited and I really hope that in my lifetime I see a comeback from these guys. For all of the people who have dedicated their time and lives to this and similar causes I have more respect for you then you will ever know.- –Heather — Scott McDaniel
Carolyn, I hope you enjoyed Scott’s answer, I sure did. What turts are you talking about in TX ? Are they in the many bayous and ponds ? I am in Sugar Land and in any one pond u might find red eared sliders, soft shells and snappers… If you are on the coast and maybe see DBT’s, I’d love to know where they can be seen… Bob — Carolyn
This is a loaded question, Carolyn. The turtles we discuss in this group have the common name Diamondback Terrapin, scientific name Malaclemys terrapin. So yes, these are not your “regular water turtles” since they are brackish water turtles and not commonly seen. Texas has a subspecies of the Diamondback Terrapin called the Texas Diamondback Terrapin, which is found along the Texas Coast all the way down to Corpus Christi. Europeans and some Asians will also apply the term terrapin to any kind of aquatic turtle so this causes confusion as well. We often have people from around the world subscribe to this group thinking that it is a group for water turtles in general. Hope this helps. -Stephen C
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