RANGE Eastern and Gulf coasts of the U.S., from Maine to Texas
HABITAT Brackish waters of coastal marshes, estuaries, tidal flats and lagoons
DIET Worms, crabs, snails and fish
The diamondback terrapin is the only species of turtle in North America that spends its life in brackish water. Their flattened shell and webbed feet aid in swimming.
Active during the day, the diamondback terrapin spends its time basking on land and finding food.
Female terrapins come on shore in June and July to make their nests and lay 3 to 18 eggs.
They face threats from habitat loss and degradation. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, were hunted nearly to extinction for their meat, which was considered a gourmet delicacy.
