Diamondback Terrapin Facts

Diamondback terrapins are found in estuaries, coastal salt marshes and tidal creeks along the United States Atlantic and Gulf coasts. These attractive terrapins are the only North American terrapins that inhabit brackish water habitats. They possess diamond-shaped markings on the plates of their top shell and spots or stripes on their skin. Diamondback terrapins have large and strongly webbed feet to suit their highly aquatic lifestyle.

  1. Staple Diet for Slaves

    • Diamondback terrapins are easily caught and were roasted in their shells by the Chesapeake colonists. These terrapins were so abundant that they became the staple diet of indentured servants and slaves. In 1891, about 89,000 lbs. of diamondback terrapins were removed from Maryland waters. These terrapins were also sought after as a gourmet food item and were served in cream- and sherry-laced stews.

    Conservation

    • Diamondback terrapins were almost hunted and harvested to extinction until the 1930s, but the Department of Natural Resources currently has protective laws in place that govern diamondback terrapin conservation. These terrapins are still unfortunately caught in crab traps, and due to human encroachment, they find it difficult to locate undisturbed areas in which to lay their eggs. These terrapins are listed as a threatened species by the World Conservation Union.

    Physical Characteristics and Diet

    • Female diamondback terrapins are larger than male animals. Diamondback females possess taller shells than their mate, as well as broader heads. Male diamondback terrapins grow to a maximum of 6 inches in length, while mature females are between 6 and 9 inches long. Diamondback terrapins have bony plates on both their upper and lower mouth, which allows them to easily crush their hard-shelled prey. Diamondbacks feed mainly on blue mussels, fiddler crabs and aquatic snail. These terrapins will also feed on aquatic vegetation, small fish, worms and carrion.

    Reproduction and Hibernation

    • The sex of diamondback terrapin hatchlings are determined by the incubation temperature. Female terrapins are produced when temperatures are between 86 and 89 degrees Fahrenheit, while lower temperatures of 75 to 84 degrees will produce males. Male diamondback terrapins never leave their aquatic environment, but females go onto land during May through July to lay eggs above the high tide mark. Females prefer to dig their nests in sand dunes and unlike the majority of other terrapin species, lay during both the day and night. Two clutches of up to 12 eggs are laid each season. Diamondback terrapins hibernate in soft mud during the winter months.