Diamondback Terrapin
Malaclemys terrapin
Vulnerable
The only turtle in North America that exclusively inhabits brackish coastal habitats — mangrove swamps, salt marshes, and tidal creeks. Beautiful diamond-patterned shell and spotted skin make them distinctive.
Size small
Habitat coastal, brackish
Diet Snails, clams, mussels, crabs, worms, fish
Colors gray, white, black
Behavior
Basking on mudflats and oyster bars at low tide. Nests on sandy berms above high tide line. Active swimmers in tidal creeks. Females significantly larger than males.
⚠️ Safety
Do not collect or harass — protected in Florida. Watch for nesting females crossing coastal roads in spring and summer. Drive carefully in known crossing areas.
Fun Facts
- Once nearly hunted to extinction for turtle soup in the early 1900s
- Can tolerate a wide range of salinity from fresh to full seawater
- Females can store sperm and lay fertile eggs years after mating
- Shell pattern is unique to each individual — like a fingerprint
Where to See
Identify This Species
Use our Species Identifier to learn how to distinguish the Diamondback Terrapin from similar species.
