Diamondback Terrapin (Malaclemys Terrapin)

The estuaries, coves, marshes and tidal flats of the Atlantic coastline of the United States are the habitat of the Diamondback terrapin. It is the only species of turtle to successfully settle in this area. For 500 years it has been predated by man for food, almost to the point of extinction. In the last 80 years, with much struggle it is making a comeback and with a lot of care by man and a little luck from nature it will thrive. It’s diet consists of crabs, clams, snails, marine worms, marsh plants, and sometimes insects. The Females are usually larger, with a rounded head, deeper shell and shorter tail then the males. Females may reach 9 inches however the carapace is usually 7-8 inches in length. Males are bout 5 inches in length. Nesting season in the Chesapeake Bay region begins in late May and continues until late July. Female Terrapins come ashore and deposit an average of thirteen eggs in a shallow nest. Once the nesting is completed, the female leaves the nest to incubate in the sand without any further parental care. After 60-120 days hatchling Terrapins emerge from the nest and enter the nearest water.

Bronze limited edition of 77, signed and numbered

$1,900.00

Plus shipping cost