Diamondback Terrapin

Malaclemys terrapin

The Diamondback Terrapin is the only North American turtle adapted exclusively to brackish water. Its diamond-shaped growth rings on each scute are distinctive. Once hunted nearly to extinction for turtle soup, it has slowly recovered.

Habitat

Coastal salt marshes, tidal creeks, and estuaries

Diet

Fiddler crabs, mussels, snails, and marine worms

How common

Uncommon

Recent Diamondback Terrapin sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

Spot a Diamondback Terrapin? Identify it instantly.

Point Huck at any plant or animal and get an instant ID, rarity, and field notes — building your personal nature collection as you go.

Get Huck — free

More reptiles & amphibians

African Clawed Frog

Xenopus laevis

Allegheny Mountain Dusky Salamander

Desmognathus ochrophaeus

Alligator Snapping Turtle

Macrochelys temminckii

American Alligator

Alligator mississippiensis

American Bullfrog

Lithobates catesbeianus