20. Snapping
Turtle - Chelydra serpentina
Description: 8 - 18 ½" (20-47 cm). Shell
and body brown to rust color. Massive head. Carapace has
3 weakly keeled rows. Small plastron, unpatterned. Rear
carapace has prominent tooth-like projections. Long tail
with small spikes along the upper side.
Similar species in our area: NONE
Lifestyle:
This is a very common species which is extremely tolerant
of human development. Snappers are the largest freshwater
turtles found throughout our area. It is primarily aquatic
living in the mud of most permanent bodies of water, including
brackish intertidal canals. Mating occurs from April through
November. Nests in late May through June on land. Lays
18-83 1" spherical "ping pong ball" shaped eggs. Hatch
September through October at 1". Hatchlings may overwinter
in nest and emerge early the following spring. Color black/brown
at hatching with white spot at the end of each marginal
scute and a very rough carapace (top shell) with three
discernible raised longitudinal rows. Long tail. This
species is more active at night. It is sometimes
seen basking and crossing roads in early spring and summer.
Snapping
turtles are the stuff of legends. Their ability
to damage fingers and broomsticks is greatly exaggerated,
but they can deliver a painful bite. They mostly
eat dead plant and animal matter, and only rarely eating
unsuspecting ducklings and water birds. Their impact
on fishermen is often greatly exaggerated.
21. Eastern
Box Turtle - Terrapene carolina carolina
Description: 4 - 7 1/16" (10-18 cm). Variable colors
on carapace and plastron. Carapace may have ray-like designs
and range in color from yellow to orange to olive to brown.
The distinct highly domed shape is a key characteristic
along with a hinged plastron that can seal the head of
the animal into the shell. Males have red eyes, females
have yellow eyes.
Similar species in our area: NONE
Lifestyle:
This species is somewhat common throughout our area although
populations are threatened by habitat loss and pet collection.
There are many reports of pet box turtles also being released
by their owners. Although this might seem like the
right thing to do, releasing pet animals whether native
or non-native is a dangerous thing to do and can spread
disease to wild populations. IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL
This
turtle is our "land turtle" often found in forests, fields
and vegetated areas, although they can be found in and
around shallow bodies of water. This species may mate
throughout active period. 3-8 elliptical eggs laid from
May though late June at about 1 3/8". Young hatch in fall,
though they may overwinter in nest. Young hatch at slightly
larger than 1" in length with flat carapace which is gray
to brown. Yellow spot on each scute. Eggs laid on land
in nest. This species is primarily diurnal. They
eat berries and other high-energy plant matter, worms
and other invertebrates.
22. Spotted
Turtle - Clemmys guttata
Description: 3 1/8 - 4 ¾" (8-12 cm). Small
turtle with black carapace which is usually spotted with
yellow, round spots along with the head, neck and limbs.
Sometimes, older individuals spots lacking on shell but
still on head, neck and limbs. Orange blotch behind eyes.
Plastron yellow with black splotches along edges.
Similar species in our area: Painted Turtle (Chrysemys
picta) may be confused but has different coloration.
Lifestyle:
This species is uncommon and is listed as a "Species of
Special Concern" by the New York Department of Environmental
Conservation. This species is threatened by habitat
loss and pet collection. There are many reports
of these turtles being released by their owners.
Although this might seem like the right thing to do, releasing
pet animals whether native or non-native is a dangerous
thing to do and can spread disease to wild populations.
IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL Although uncommon it can
be found in isolated wetlands throughout our area. This
species prefers calm shallow bodies of water including
slow moving streams, bogs, brackish marshes and ponds.
Mates early in spring, from March to June. Nests on land
May to late June depositing 3-8 elliptical, soft shelled
eggs at just over 1" in size. Young hatch after 60-70
day incubation period from August to early October and
may overwinter in nest (although this is doubtful). Young
look much like adults. Eggs laid on land in nest.
Young look much like the adults. .
23a. Painted Turtle - Chrysemys picta
ssp.
Description: 4 - 7 7/8" (10-20 cm). Carapace is
black to olive colored and smooth. Red and yellow stripes
around edge of carapace, head, neck and limbs. Plastron
is brightly colored yellow to orange, sometimes with patterns.
There are noticeable differences in carapace and plastron
patterns between the 4 subspecies found in the U.S.
Similar species in our area: The Eastern Painted Turtle
(C. picta picta) is our native subspecies. Other
subspecies may have been introduced.
Lifestyle:
Our native sub-species is very common while other introduced
sub-species are less common. Can be found throughout our
area. There are many reports of these turtles being released
by their owners. Although this might seem like the
right thing to do, releasing pet animals whether native
or non-native is a dangerous thing to do and can spread
disease to wild populations. IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL
These turtles can tolerate human pressures fairly well.
They live in most freshwater, permanent bodies and are
also sometimes found in vernal ponds. Breeds from March
to April. Females nest May through July. An average of
8 eggs are laid on land, and are slightly larger than
1". Young hatch in 10-11 weeks and look much like the
adults.
23b. Eastern Painted Turtle -
Chrysemys picta picta
Description: 4 ½ - 5 7/8" (11.5-15 cm).
Carapace is black to olive and smooth. Red and yellow
stripes around edge of carapace, head, neck and limbs.
Plastron is completely orange/yellow with no patterns.
C. picta picta has straight rows of the large scutes
on the carapace.
Similar species in our area: All other Painted Turtle
(C. picta ssp.) species which have been introduced.
Scute, carapace and plastron differences in all other
subspecies. Yellowbelly Sliders (Trachemys scripta
scripta) and spotted turtles (Clemmys guttata)
may be confused, but coloration differs.
Lifestyle:
This species is very common and can be found throughout
our area. There are many reports of these turtles being
released by their owners. Although this might seem
like the right thing to do, releasing pet animals whether
native or non-native is a dangerous thing to do and can
spread disease to wild populations. IT IS ALSO
ILLEGAL These turtles can tolerate human pressures
fairly well. They live in most permanent fresh water bodies
and are sometimes found in vernal pools. Breeds from March
to April. Females nest May through July. An average of
8 eggs are laid on land, and are slightly larger than
1". Young hatch in 10-11 weeks and look much like the
adults.
24. Eastern Mud Turtle - Kinosternon
subrubrum
Description: 2 ¾ - 4 5/16" (7-11 cm). Very
small turtle. Entire color is usually light to medium
brown. Plastron may be yellow and is double hinged. Carapace
is smooth. Head usually spotted or marked.
Similar species in our area: Musk Turtle (Sternotherus
odoratus) has similar size and body shape but different
color and has yellow stripes on head.
Lifestyle:
This species is uncommon and is considered "Threatened"
by the New York DEC. It can only be found in 5 locations
on L.I. and S.I. It is semi-aquatic preferring slow moving
muddy bottomed bodies of water. Although common in other
parts of it's range, it is probably the rarest freshwater
turtle in New York State and certainly in the region covered
in this website. It does travel away from the water
at times. This species mates April to May. Nests in June
and July laying 1-6 hard shelled eggs at 1" on land. Hatch
later in the season. Young have dark, domed carapace with
a ridge down back and orange plastron. They are surprisingly
terrestrial. .
25. Diamondback Terrapin - Malaclemys
terrapin
Description: Females: 6 - 9" (15.2 - 23 cm); Males:
4 - 5 ½" (10 - 13.9 cm). Body and shell is gray.
Carapace has distinctive circular rings. Head is spotted
with black flecks. Plastron long and yellow/greenish.
Jaws are pale colored.
Similar species in our area: NONE
Lifestyle:
This species can be common in specific localities.
This was the turtle used in "turtle soup", and is still
sold for food in exotic food markets. There are
many reports of these turtles being released by their
owners. Unfortunately people who mean well
may be liberating foreign subspecies into local
waters, trying to save them from a dinner plate.
This can lead to genetic mixing as well as well as spreading
disease.Although this might seem like a good thing to
do, releasing captive animals whether native or non-native
is dangerous and can spread disease to wild populations.
IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL Our native subspecies
is the northern diamondback terrapin, Malaclemys terrapin
terrapin. Northern diamondbacks can be identified
by their distinctly wedge-shaped shell when observed from
above as well as having a wide rear shell then other subspecies.
There are six other subspecies of this turtles found along
the Atantic and Gulf coasts, and food markets may be selling
any of the seven subspecies.
Terrapins
are protected by New York state law and legally may only
be taken August 1 to April 30 (possession out of season
is illegal). You must have have a license from the NY
DEC to catch or possess them at any time, you cannot possess
or sell turtles less than four inches or greater than
seven inches carapace length, and it is illegal to disturb
terrapin nests.
This species inhabits our saltwater marshes, estuaries
and inlets. Breeds mostly in May. Nests on land, June
and July. 4-18 1¼" soft shelled eggs hatch in 9
to 15 weeks. Young look like adults, but are more detailed
in coloration with gray background and black circles.
26. Common Musk Turtle - Kinosternon
odoratus
Description: 2 3/8 - 4 ¾" (6 - 12 cm). Color
of body and carapace is olive to brown, while plastron
is a light brown to yellow. This species has two distinct
yellowish stripes on each side of head and barbels on
chin and throat. Capable of releasing displeasing musk
scent when disturbed or attacked.
Similar species: Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum)
has similar body shape and size but lacks yellow stripes
and barbels.
Lifestyle:
Musk Turtles are uncommon, but may be abundant in certain
locales on L.I. May only be on L.I. This species prefers
slow moving, soft bottomed steams, rivers and canals.
Can sometimes be found basking out of water. Breeds April
to May. Lays six, 1" long elliptical, hard shelled eggs
from May to July on land. Young hatch early fall and are
5/8 - 3/4" in size. Domed shell and body black to brown.
Prominent mid-dorsal keel and side keels. Yellow stripes
on head and light spot on each marginal scute.
27. Redbelly
Turtle - Pseudemys rubriventris
Description: 9 7/16 - 13 ¾" (24 - 35 cm).
Large pond turtle. Carapace dark brown to black. Plastron
is reddish to orange/yellow. Color fades with age until
uniformly dull brown to black.
Similar species in our area: Red Eared Slider ( Trachemys
scripta elegans) has red stripe behind eye and is
smaller.
Lifestyle:
This species has been introduced into several places on
L.I. It is not commonly found and has very limited populations.
Redbelly turtles enjoy deep bodies of fresh water. Mates
in spring. Nests in early summer. Eggs hatch after 13
weeks. Lay 8-20 eggs elliptical eggs just under 1.5" on
land. Hatchlings 1 ¼" with green carapace (top
shell). The plastron (bottom shell) is red.
It is not clear as to whether or not these local populations
are reproducing. The population may be maintained
more by continous releases of pet trade animals rather
than recuitment through hatchlings
28. Red Eared Slider - Trachemys
scripta elegans
Description: 5 - 7 7/8" (12.5 - 20 cm). Distinct
red stripe behind eye is a feature characteristic. Red
fades with age. Plastron is yellow with black striped
patterns. Carapace and body is green/brown with yellow
stripes. This also dulls with age, becoming brown.
Similar species in our area: Redbelly Turtle (Pseudemys
rubriventris) may look similar but has red belly.
Yellowbelly Slider (Trachemys scripta scripta)
is the same species but has yellow blotch behind eye,
not red.
Lifestyle:
This species has been introduced into many places within
our area. It is not very common in most areas but may
be quite abundant in certain locales. There are
many reports of these turtles being released by their
owners. Although this might seem like the right
thing to do, releasing pet animals whether native or non-native
is a dangerous thing to do and can spread disease to wild
populations. IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL It inhabits the
same bodies of water as the native Chrysemys picta
including lakes, rivers, streams, and freshwater marshes
with abundant vegetation. Breeds in late spring. Nests
early summer. Clutch size is 5-20 oval eggs, slightly
larger than 1". Young hatch around 2 months after being
laid at around 1 ¼" with bright green carapace.
Plastron bright yellow with concentric black designs.
Eggs laid on land in nest. The population may be
maintained more by continous releases of pet trade animals
rather than recuitment through hatchlings
29. Yellowbelly Slider - Trachemys
scripta scripta
Description: 5-8" (12.5-20.3 cm). The most distinguishing
characteristic of this species is the yellow blotch behind
the eye. Vertical yellow bars on costal scutes. Yellow
plastron with dark smudges anteriorly.
Similar
species in our area: Red Eared Slider (Trachemys scripta
elegans) is the same species, but they have red spots
behind their eyes. Old adults may look similar to Yellow
Bellies. Painted Turtles (Chrysemys picta) may
look similar, but have different color patterns.
Lifestyle:
This species has reportedly been introduced into a few
locations in southern areas of Long Island. It is rare
if it has established itself at all. There are many reports
of these turtles being released by their owners.
Although this might seem like the right thing to do, releasing
pet animals whether native or non-native is a dangerous
thing to do and can spread disease to wild populations.
IT IS ALSO ILLEGAL This species probably
inhabits shallow ponds, slow rivers and soft bottomed
wetlands in our area. Mates April to June. Lay 1-3 clutches
(although probably only 1 if nesting in our area) of 5-25
eggs at 13/8" each. Eggs hatch in 2-2.5 months at 1 1/8
- 1 5/16".
Eyespots of front scutes of plastron. Eggs laid on land
in nest. The population may be maintained more by
continous releases of pet trade animals rather than recuitment
through hatchlings
30. Loggerhead
Sea Turtle - Caretta caretta
Description:
31-48" (79-122 cm). Paddle-like flippers, large size,
oceanic lifestyle and reddish brown coloration help to
distinguish this species. Plastron is yellowish cream
colored. 5 or more costal scutes, mid-dorsal keel and
two pair of prefrontal scales between the eyes.
Similar
species in our area: Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys
kempii) is smaller and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia
mydas) has only 2 pair of prefrontal scales between
eyes and an unkeeled carapace. Atlantic Hawksbill Sea
Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) has only 4 costal
plates.
Lifestyle:
This species is Listed as "Threatened" by both the Federal
Government and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. It is seldom seen in our waters, but does
migrate through our area in mid summer when feeding. This
species does not mate or breed in our area. .
31. Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle
- Lepidochelys kepii
Description:
23-29 1/2" (58-74.9 cm). Paddle-like flippers, large size
and an oceanic lifestyle are characteristic of this species.
Keel down center of carapace which is wide, heart shaped
and gray in younger individuals, to olive/yellow in older
ones. Carapace usually has radiating design. 5 costal
plates. Plastron is white 2 pair of prefrontal scales
between the eyes. Plastron white/yellow.
Similar
species in our area: Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta
caretta) is much larger and the Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia
mydas) may look similar but only has 1 pair of prefrontal
scales between the eyes and an unkeeled carapace. Atlantic
Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata) has
only 4 costal plates.
Lifestyle:
This species is listed as "Endangered" by both the Federal
Government and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. It is seldom seen in our waters, but does
migrate through our area in mid summer when feeding. This
species does not mate or breed in our area. .
32. Green
Sea Turtle - Chelonia mydas
Description:
28-60" (71-153 cm). Paddle-like flippers, large size and
an oceanic lifestyle are characteristic of this species.
Oval shaped carapace is unkeeled and brown to slight olive
with radiating design. 4 costal plates on each side of
carapace. 1 pair of prefrontal plates between eyes. Plastron
white/yellow.
Similar
species in our Area: Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle (Eretmochelys
imbricata) has 2 pair of prefrontal plates between
eyes. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
and the Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii)
have 5 costal plates on each side of plastron and 2 pair
of prefrontal scales between eyes.
Lifestyle:
This species is Listed as "Threatened" by both the Federal
Government and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. It is seldom seen in our waters, but does
migrate through our area in mid summer when feeding. This
species does not mate or breed in our area. .
33. Atlantic Hawksbill Sea
Turtle - Eretmochelys imbricata
Description:
30-35" (76-89 cm). Paddle-like flippers, large size and
an oceanic lifestyle are characteristics of this species.
Shield shaped carapace with overlapping scutes, brown/green,
and keel down center. 4 costal scutes. 2 pairs of prefrontal
scales between eyes. Snout is shaped like a hawk’s
bill.
Similar
Species in our Area: Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
has 1 pair of prefrontal plates between eyes. Atlantic
Ridley Sea Turtle (Lepidochelys kempii) and the
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) have 5
costal scutes.
Lifestyle:
This species is listed as "Endangered" by both the Federal
Government and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. It is seldom seen in our waters, but does
migrate through our area in mid summer when feeding. This
species does not mate or breed in our area. .
34. Leatherback Sea Turtle - Dermochelys
coriacea
Description:
50-84" (127-213 cm). Largest turtle on the planet. Paddle-like
flippers, large size and oceanic lifestyle are characteristics
of this species. Easily identified by the seven keels
on dorsum. Color is blue to gray/black. No scutes. Smooth
leathery skin covers dorsum. Plastron white.
Similar
Species in our Area: NONE
Lifestyle:
This species is listed as "Endangered" by both the Federal
Government and the New York State Department of Environmental
Conservation. It is seldom seen in our waters, but does
migrate through our area in mid summer when feeding. This
species does not mate or breed in our area. .