Have you ever heard of a Diamondback Terrapin turtle? Did you know we have them in our area, just not in huge abundance as some other turtle species?
These brackish water turtles spend their entire lives in a marsh system feeding on mollusks and crustaceans. Like map turtles (their nearest cousins), the females are larger with wide heads for crushing the shells of their prey. They are considered an important member of the ecosystem in that the reduction of terrapins can cause an increase in the marsh periwinkle (a popular snail food) who would in turn stop feeding on leaf litter and attack the live plants themselves – threatening the existence of the marsh. So, they are important predators on marsh grazers.
Diamondback terrapins are medium-sized turtles that live in salt marshes, barrier islands, mangrove swamps, tidal creeks and rivers. They eat a variety of foods including snails, crabs, clams, mussels, worms, fish and plants. Five of the seven subspecies occur in Florida, three of which can be found nowhere else in the world. We find the Ornate and Mississippi sub species in Okaloosa and Walton counties.
Measuring at about 9.4 inches long, female diamondback terrapins are typically larger than males, which measure about 5.5 inches in length. Diamondback terrapins can usually be distinguished by the pattern on their shell, which consists of concentric rings and a “diamond-like” pattern with knobs along their backs. The shell is often multi-colored with outer rings being lighter than inner rings. In some cases, the shell is completely dark. The plastron, or underside of the shell, can be yellow or orange, though it is sometimes all black. Their skin is often grey to pale white with black spots or bars. Some individuals may lack markings, or may have a pink hue around the cheeks.
Diamondback terrapins are active during daylight hours for most of the year. Within their brackish water habitats, terrapins may be found basking in open or densely vegetated areas, submerged in muddy substrates, foraging on land or water and hiding under vegetation to protect themselves from predators or the elements. In Florida, males reach maturity between two and three years of age and females reach maturity between four and five years of age. Terrapins have been known to live for up to 40 years in captivity, and scientists estimate that they typically live for about 25 years in the wild.
In Florida, courtship occurs in the spring, between March and May. Nesting usually takes place during the day in sparsely vegetative sandy areas above the high tide line. Nesting season occurs from April through July, but may be extended depending on the area. Females can lay two or three times per year, with clutch size ranging from five to ten eggs.
Diamondback terrapins eat a variety of foods including snails, crabs, clams, mussels, worms, fish and plants.
But these beautiful turtles face a variety of threats, including: habitat loss, unsustainable collection from the wild due to growing popularity in the global pet market, predation and road mortality. Because of overlapping habitat, there is also a potential for terrapins to be accidentally killed in blue crab traps.
To help protect them, as of March 1, 2022, all collection and possession of diamondback terrapins is prohibited with the exception of scientific research with a valid permit. People who currently possess diamondback terrapins as personal pets may legally keep these animals, but must obtain a no-cost Personal Possession permit by May 31, 2022. Individuals or institutions who keep diamondback terrapins for public display, education, outreach or other similar conservation-based programs must obtain a no-cost Exhibition and Education permit.
In addition to this new rule, the FWC is helping conserve terrapins by requiring all recreational blue crab traps to have rigid funnel openings no larger than 2 inches by 6 inches at the narrowest point, or 2-inch by 6-inch bycatch reduction devices installed. This change, which takes effect March 1, 2023, will reduce the number of terrapins accidently captured in crab traps.
How you can help:
Be sure to watch out for terrapins as you drive along the coast. If you see one in the road, and if you are safe from oncoming traffic, you may move the turtle across the road in the direction it was heading.
If you use crab traps, get ones that have a By-Catch Reduction Device (BRD) to keep terrapins out – but allow crabs in. The FWC will provide them for free if you are interested.
If you come across an injured diamondback terrapin, contact your FWC Regional Office to find a list of rehabbers in your area. If you suspect that someone is illegally capturing or selling wild diamondback terrapins please contact FWC Wildlife Alert.
For more information on the diamondback terrapin regulation changes, visit MyFWC.com/FreshwaterTurtles.
Habitat loss: Loss of important nesting and foraging habitat are a major concern for population stability.
Predation: Predators such as wild hogs, raccoons and rats prey on terrapins at all life stages, although eggs and young terrapins are most vulnerable to predation.
Road mortality: Females often crossroads in search of suitable nesting areas and can be struck by cars. The loss of mature females may have large impacts on populations of terrapins.
Boat strikes: Accidental collision with boats can injure and kill terrapins.
Crab traps: Accidental drownings in blue crab traps occur when adults enter the traps in search of food and cannot escape.
Harvest for the pet trade: Due to their colorful appearance and friendly disposition, terrapins are susceptible to unsustainable wild take for the pet trade.
