Diamondback Terrapin | 台北市立動物園資訊網

QuickFacts·Species.Native·Size.Upto9inchesinlength·Habitat.LivesintidalportionsoftheChesapeakeBayanditsrivers,includingbrackishmarshes, ...

The carapace (shell) of the diamondback terrapin varies in color from brownish or greenish to grayish or nearly black. Their scaly, gray or whitish skin is covered with black spots or streaks. The carapace is covered with scutes (plates) that have diamond-shaped concentric growth rings inside; the growth rings may be a different color than the rest of the shell.

The plastron, or underside of the shell, is yellowish or greenish in color. Terrapins have a horned beak with a black "moustache" above the mouth and webbed feet with strong claws. They grow up to 9 inches in length, with females significantly larger than males.

While terrapins feed mostly on mollusks, including clams, snails and mussels, they will also eat fi...