Diamondback Terrapins Introduction: Visitors to Masonville Cove may be familiar with the friendly face of Squirtle, greeting them as they first walk into the education center. Squirtle, is a northern diamondback terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin terrapin), a common inhabitant of the Chesapeake Bay Watershed and one of seven subsets of diamondback terrapins that populate the U.S. Diamondback terrapins are brackish water turtles, meaning they live in a mix of salt and fresh water. Due to their environment, terrapins have developed adaptations over time, which are specific to the tidal marshes and tributaries they live in. Read below to find out more information. How to identify a diamondback terrapin? Appearance: Diamondback terrapins have a thick shell that provides their bodies with protection. The top of their shell (carapace) can come in a variety of colors, like shades of green, brown, grey, or black. It is covered with a multitude of plates (scutes). Made out of keratin, these scutes have ring shaped grooves and markings that somewhat resemble diamonds (hence the name diamondback terrapin) and terrapins shed the scutes from their shell as they grow. Diamondback terrapins also have a very distinct skin coloration, usually grey or off-white, with dark speckles and streaks covering their body. Additionally, some terrapins have a special facial marking, which resembles a mustache. Other Adaptations: Living predominantly in brackish water, terrapins must be able to adjust to intense changes in salinity. They share an amazing adaptation with sea turtles, called a salt gland, which allows them to excrete excess salt from their body and prevent dehydration. Furthermore, the bottom of their shell (plastron) is particularly streamlined to help them glide effortlessly through the turbulent waves and tides that accompany brackish environments. They have strong webbed feet, unlike terrestrial turtles, which assist with swimming. While they live predominantly in the water, terrapins must occasionally come to the surface for oxygen. Unlike fish with gills, terrapins have lungs and cannot pull dissolved oxygen directly from the water. Many terrapins will also come up on land to bask in the sun and allow their scutes to dry out. Sexual Dimorphism: Diamondback terrapins look slightly different according to gender • Overall Size- Female terrapins can grow to be almost twice as large as male terrapins. • Tail- Male terrapins have a longer and thicker tail than females. Additionally, the cloacal opening is much further down on the tail of males than females. Diet: Diamondback terrapins eat a variety of mollusks, shelled animals like clams, oysters, mussels, and aquatic snails. Occasionally they will snack on fish and crustaceans. Because many of their prey have hard exteriors, diamondbacks have developed two specific features to assist with feeding on these creatures. First, they have a strong, beak-like jaw, to help them easily crack open difficult shells. Paired with their beak, is a sharp set of claws on their feet. These claws help to rip meat out of mollusk shells and tear it into chewable, bite sized pieces. Range: The 7 subspecies of diamondback terrapin inhabit brackish waters as far up as Seven Subspecies Massachusetts and down to parts of North Northern Carolina. The image to the right depicts the Carolina general region where each subset resides. Tequesta Mangrove Ornate Mississippi Texas Terrapin Mix and Match Diamondback terrapins have an array of adaptations that help them survive in specialized environments like the Chesapeake Bay. See if you can solve the riddles below. Draw a line from each name to its appropriate description and matching image. • I help the terrapin adjust to Beak salty water. • I help turtles breathe, instead of gills. Carapace • The diamondback terrapin is named after me. • I shed as the turtle grows. Claws • I help terrapins swim through strong currents and Lungs/Nostrils waves. • I am strong and help crush shells. Plastron • My length and size help determine gender. Salt Glands • I am important for protection. • I come in many colors from grey and green, to brown Scutes and black. • I am sharp and help tear apart food. Tail • I am flat and streamlined, regardless of gender. Webbed Feet • I help terrapins glide effortlessly through the water..