Common Types of Terrapins

Some people may look at taking care of a terrapin as being an easy job. T he terrapins may not be as involved and as responsive as some other common pets, but they are certainly not disposable; they also live, feel, and grow like any other pet.

One should be very aware of the kind of terrapin one owns so as to look after it well. Therefore, one should have knowledge of the different kinds and species of terrapins one can keep.

Box Turtle

The box turtle is the most common of all pet terrapins. They are very small (about six inches long) and thus easy to handle as pets. The male terrapins have longer tails than the female ones.

They are omnivores. They generally live close to the places where they were born. They like to be out in the early morning and late afternoon. They hibernate in winters.


Red Eared Slider (RES)

The red-eared sliders are also immensely popular pet turtles, so named because of the red marks around their ears.

They are semi-aquatic creatures, and are mainly found in the southern states of the United States.

A recent report claims that researchers have found some nests and eggs of red-eared sliders in the Southampton region, but failed to find any hatchlings. Red-eared sliders are of varied sizes—from about 5 to 12 inches.

The female terrapin is larger in size. They are generally found to breed near ponds and marshes. They are carnivorous as babies, but attain omnivorous habits as they grow into adulthood. They are attractive in appearance and have friendly nature.


Painted Turtle

The Painted Turtle, which is widely found in North America, is an aquatic turtle, and as such is mostly located around marshes, lakes, and ponds.

It gets its name from its attractively designed bottom. It has a very hard shell, which it uses to hide into.

It grows to a size of about 8 inches. It has an average life of 30 years. It has carnivorous tendencies.


Map Turtle

The Map Turtle or Saw Back Turtles, like most terrapins, also are semi-aquatic and found commonly in freshwater.

They are mainly found in Canada and eastern United States.

They are called so because of the creamish colored markings on their neck, legs, and head resembling a road map.


Diamondback Terrapin

The diamondback terrapin is found in brackish waters of the southern and eastern United States. It is named so because of the diamond pattern on its shell.

The male terrapins grow to about 5 inches in length and female terrapins to about 7.5 inches. They feed on crabs, small fishes, and mollusks.