Cowabunga! All About the Different Types of Turtles
Are you interested in learning more about the different types of turtles? With their wide shells and protruding heads, you might recognize them as the slow reptiles we used to keep in our homes as pets.
But turtles have become sacred creatures in the world they live in. They have different characteristics on land and in the water, many of which make them beautiful creatures to admire.
But are you wondering which turtle is right for you? Here’s a guide to all types of turtles you can find in the world.
Box Turtles
There are several different types of box turtles, but the most common is the eastern box turtle and the western box turtle. These turtles get their name from their hinged shell, which allows them to close up tightly inside like a box.
Box turtles are relatively small, usually only growing to be about 6-7 inches long. They are land turtles and prefer to live in wooded areas near streams or ponds. Box turtles are omnivorous and eat a variety of different meats and plants.
Chicken Turtles
There are many different types of turtles, but chicken turtles are a favorite among many people. These turtles are known for their tasty meat, which is why they are often used in dishes such as turtle soup.
Chicken turtles are also popular pets, as they are relatively easy to care for and are very docile. These turtles can live for up to 30 years in captivity, so they make great long-term companions.
Pond Turtles
Pond turtles are a group of turtles that includes some of the most popular species kept as pets, such as the red-eared slider. Pond turtles are generally smaller than their relative, the sea turtle, and have a more modest lifestyle.
While all turtles are aquatic, pond turtles tend to live in shallower water and can be found in a variety of habitats, from ponds and lakes to marshes and swamps. These turtles are well-suited to life in captivity and make popular pets.
Leaf Turtle
Leaf turtle is usually found in South America and Central America, and is generally small to medium size. The leaf turtle gets its name from the fact that its shell is shaped somewhat like a leaf, and this helps it to camouflage itself in its natural habitat.
The leaf turtle is a vegetarian and feeds primarily on plants. These turtles are generally very docile and make good pets for those who are looking for a more low-maintenance reptile.
African Side Neck Turtle
There are different types of African side neck turtles, and each one is unique. Here are the different types:
Red-footed Tortoise
The most common type is the red-footed tortoise, which is native to Africa. These turtles are mostly found in the wild, but some are kept as pets.
They can grow up to two feet long and weigh up to 30 pounds. They are omnivorous, meaning they eat both plants and animals.
Yellow-bellied Turtle
Another type of African side neck turtle is the yellow-bellied turtle. These turtles are also native to Africa and can grow up to two feet long. They are mostly carnivorous, meaning they eat mostly meat.
African Side Neck Turtle
The last type of African side neck turtle is the penguin turtle. These turtles are not native to Africa, but they are found in the wild there.
They are the smallest type of African side neck turtle, only growing up to six inches long. They are mostly carnivorous, but they will also eat some plants.
Western Painted Turtle
Turtles are one of the oldest and most distinctive groups of reptiles. They first appeared during the time of the dinosaurs and have remained relatively unchanged since then. There are many different types of turtles, but the Western Painted Turtle is one of the most popular.
The Western Painted Turtle is a small to medium-sized turtle with a colorful shell. They are found in the western United States and Mexico. These turtles are semi-aquatic and can be found in ponds, lakes, and marshes.
They are omnivorous and eat a variety of insects, fish, and plants. The Western Painted Turtle is a popular pet turtle and is often kept in aquariums.
Mississippi Map Turtles
Mississippi map turtles are a type of turtle found in the Mississippi River basin. They are named for their unique Shells which are shaped like a map of the Mississippi River. These turtles are found in slow-moving rivers and lakes and are known for their excellent swimming ability.
Mississippi map turtles are omnivorous and eat both plants and animals. These turtles are popular pets due to their docile nature and interesting appearance.
Spotted Turtle
The spotted turtle is one of the most beautiful and intriguing creatures in the turtle world. As their name suggests, they are covered in spots that make them very distinctive. These turtles are relatively small, only growing to be about 4-6 inches in length.
Despite their size, they are very powerful swimmers and are known to migrate long distances. Spotted turtles are also very long-lived creatures, with some individuals living to be over 50 years old!
Although they are not considered to be endangered, their numbers are declining due to habitat loss and poaching. If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these turtles in the wild, be sure to give them the space and respect they deserve.
Reeve’s Turtle
There are four different types of turtles that are known as Reeve’s turtles. They include the Chinese yin yang turtle, the northern yin yang turtle, the southern yin yang turtle, and the Sichuan yin yang turtle. All four of these turtles are considered to be endangered.
The Chinese yin yang turtle is the most critically endangered of the four with only about 120 animals remaining in the wild. The other three types of Reeve’s turtles are also endangered, but not as critically so.
All four types of Reeve’s turtles are native to China which you can see during turtle sightings. They can also be found in a variety of habitats including ponds, lakes, and rivers.
Different Types of Turtles You Didn’t Know
Turtles are amazing creatures that come in all shapes and sizes. Some turtles can even fly! Whether you’re looking to adopt a turtle or just learn more about these fascinating creatures, be sure to do your research to find the right types of turtles for you.
Did you find this article helpful? Check out the rest of our blog for more!
