The northern diamond-backed terrapin is a listed species in the State Wildlife Action Plan (SWAP). Find detailed information on the northern diamond-backed terrapin, its threats, and what Massachusetts is doing to conserve this animal in its official factsheet.
Fast facts
Common name: diamond-backed terrapins
Scientific name: Malaclemys terrapin
Range in MA: Coastal regions of Massachusetts
Conservation status: Threatened (MESA)
Fun fact: Nest incubation periods for terrapins in Massachusetts range from 59-116 days, depending on temperature.
Similar-looking species: Small sea turtles
Identification tip: Their skin is whitish-gray with dark spots
Description
Diamondback terrapin is Massachusetts’s only turtle found predominately in salt marshes and estuaries. The carapace is frequently discolored by algae or silt, though, so the pattern is not always clearly visible, but the terrapin’s carapace is variable in color, and can appear gray to light brown. Some individuals also have black, orange, green, or tan markings on the shell. The carapace is oval to slightly egg-shaped. Terrapins have keeled carapaces with prominent bumps on the vertebral scutes. Skin on the head and limbs is gray to white with small dark spots. Terrapins have large heads with powerful musculature, and their jaws are usually light-colored. Usually, only nesting females are observed on land. More often, a keen observer will only spot the terrapins’ heads protruding from the surface of a calm bay.