How Do Turtles Catch Their Food?

Turtles are a diverse group of reptiles that are found in many different habitats around the world. Most turtles are omnivorous and readily feed on both plant and animal matter. They have several traits that help them catch their food.

  1. Methods of Hunting

    • Many young turtles are adept swimmers and can easily maneuver though the water in pursuit of small fish, aquatic insects and tadpoles. As turtles grow, their agility in the water fades and they rely on ambush methods to capture prey. Turtles patiently wait, motionless, employing their camouflage to remain hidden waiting for the opportune time to use their quick reflexes and powerful jaws to capture their prey.

    Physical Features

    • Turtles do not have teeth, but many have strong, beak-like jaws that they use to capture and hold their prey. The beak works as a hook, preventing a turtle's prey from escaping out of its jaws. Many turtles have sharp claws on their front limbs that they use to help kill the captured animal.

    Special Adaptations

    • Aquatic turtles can hold their breath for extended periods of time, aiding their passive hunting strategy. Some aquatic turtles have nostrils on the very tip of their nose, which allows them to breathe without creating disturbance in the water. Land turtles, such as the eastern box turtle, sun themselves early in the morning to warm their body and increase their metabolic activity before hunting on land.