whatsthatturtle

[whatsthatturtle]

Scientific name: Testudo graeca

Common name: Greek Tortoise

Fun fact: Despite their name, this species' native range is not restricted to Greece alone-- in fact, Northern Africa and Southwest Asia make up much more of their range than Greece does.

the new electricians are looking a bit weird

[whatsthatturtle]

Uncertain

Scientific name: Graptemys ouachitensis OR Graptemys pseudogeographica

Common name: Ouachita Map Turtle OR False Map Turtle

Fun fact: Graptemys ouachitensis and Graptemys pseudogeographica share much of their range, and G. ouachitensis was previously thought to be a subspecies of G. pseudogeographica, so much of their historical records are intermingled. However, I think this turtle is more likely to be G. ouachitensis due to the presence of white eyes bisected by a black bar. While this trait can present in G. pseudogeographica as well, there is more variability-- G. pseudogeographica has a wider range of eye colors, and may or may not possess the dark bisecting line.

(1st pic, Graptemys ouachitensis, 2nd pic, Graptemys pseudogeographica)

Accidentally caught this lad while electrofishing today. A map turtle, not sure exactly what species. I released it after taking these photos

(Images: two pictures of a small turtle with a notable ridge on its shell being held in hand.)

[whatsthatturtle]

Scientific name: Podocnemis expansa

Common name: Arrau river turtle/Giant South American river turtle

Fun fact: Female Podocnemis expansa aggregate near their nesting sites as they wait for their offspring to hatch. When the hatchlings begin to emerge, the females will call to them, guiding them towards the water. This is one of the few recorded examples of paternal care in turtles to date.

Butterflies feeding off the tears of turtles in the Amazon. This is uncommon for the butterflies as minerals such as salt can be scarce in certain regions, so the turtles salty tears give the butterflies the nutrients they need for survival. Photog. Jeff Cremer

[whatsthatturtle]

Scientific name: Stigmochelys pardalis

Common name: Leopard tortoise

Fun fact: Despite the small size of this baby, leopard tortoises can grow up to 18 inches long as adults! Always familiarize yourself with the size and housing requirements of adults before purchasing and turtle or tortoise as a pet!

https://leopardtortoises.com/leopard-tortoise-growth-rates/

Via: leanne.rooks/tt

[whatsthatturtle]

Scientific name: Chrysemys picta marginata

Common name: Midland painted turtle

Fun fact: Chrysemys picta hatchings frequently overwinter in their natal nests, where they endure subzero temperatures, maintaining a supercooled state instead of freezing

Let's sunbathe with mama

[whatsthatturtle]

Scientific name: Trachemys scripta (elegans?)

Common name: Red-eared slider

Fun fact: Native to the midwest and southern united states, this species of turtle is now one of the most invasive species in the world, and has been found on all continents other than the arctic and antarctic.

[whatsthatturtle]

Turtles...