Western diamondback terrapin (SciiFii)

The western diamondback terrapin or simply western terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin californianus) is a subspecies of diamondback terrapin that originally did not exist, but has since been created by SciiFii and introduced throughout the slow-moving freshwater habitats and brackish coastal tidal marshes of the western United States and Mexico to help boost biodiversity. The common name of the western diamondback terrapin refers to the diamond-like pattern on top of its shell (carapace), but the overall pattern and coloration vary greatly. The shell is usually wider at the back than in the front, and from above it appears wedge-shaped. The shell coloring can vary from brown to grey, and its body color can be grey, brown, or white. All have a unique pattern of wiggly, black spots on their body and head. The western diamondback terrapin has large webbed feet. The western diamondback terrapin is sexually dimorphic in that the males grow to a carapace length of approximately 13 centimeters (5.1 inches), while the females grow to an average carapace length of around 19 centimeters (7.5 inches), though they are capable of growing larger. The largest female on record was just over 25 cm (10 inches) in carapace length. Specimens from regions that are warmer in temperature tend to be larger than those from cooler, more northern areas. Male western diamondback terrapins weigh 300 grams (11 oz) on average, while females weigh around 500 grams (18 oz). The largest females can weigh up to 1 kg (35 oz). Western diamondback terrapin look much like their entirely-freshwater relatives, but are also well adapted to the near shore marine environment. They have several adaptations that allow them to survive in varying salinities. They can live in full strength salt water, their skin is impermeable to salt, and unlike most other diamondback terrapin species, the western diamondback terrapin can live and flourish in saltwater in its entire life. Western diamondback terrapins have lachrymal salt glands, not present in their relatives, which are used primarily when the turtle is dehydrated. They can distinguish between drinking water of different salinities. Western diamondback terrapins also exhibit unusual and sophisticated behavior to obtain fresh water, including drinking the freshwater surface layer that can accumulate on top of salt water during rainfall and raising their heads into the air with mouths open to catch falling rain drops. Western diamondback terrapins are strong swimmers. They have strongly webbed hind feet, but not flippers as do sea turtles. Like their relatives (Graptemys), they have strong jaws for crushing shells of prey, such as clams and snails. This is especially true of females, who have larger and more muscular jaws than males. The conservation status of the western diamondback terrapin is Least Concern due to successful conservation efforts, the western diamondback terrapin's wide range and its tolerance to many of the human activities.
Category:Animals
Category:Species
Category:SciiFii