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
Best time to see a Diamondback Terrapin
The best time to see a Diamondback Terrapin is May–June, when about 66% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 14,449 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
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5,300+species
63national parks
50states