There are seven types of terrapins: Terrapin centrata (Northern), T. tequesta (Florida east coast), T. rhizophorarum (Mangrove), T. Macrospilota (Ornate), T. piletata (Mississippi), T. littoralis (Texas), and the Carolina terrapin species. In South Florida, there are three subspecies which intergrade, T. tequesta (Biscayne Bay), T. rhizophoraruum (FLorida Keys westward to the Marquesas), and T. macrospilota in Florida Bay.
The orange and yellow centers of the hexagon shaped scutes distinguish this terrapin from other species.The life of a south Florida Diamondback Terrapin is scarcely known. Even though we've been observing a few hatchlings in the wild, the behavior has been poorly documented in Florida Bay or in other areas in the Florida Keys. The animals show sexual dimorphism with females being larger, with a rounder head, deeper shell and shorter tail than males. Females may reach nine inche however the carapace is usually seven to eight inches in length. Males are about five inches in length. Mating occurs in spring in the water. The female usually lays 5-12 eggs on the beaches that ring many of the mangrove keys. After 60-120 days hatching terrapins emerge from the nest and enter the nearest water.
The Diamondback Terrapins are carnivorous, feeding on molluscs and crustaceans which are very fragil. Others feed mainly at high tide, foraging in flooded regions for crabs and other invertebrates. Some terrapins have been seen feeding on young plant shoots but the significance in their diet is unknown.
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