Determining the species of turtle you have can be tricky, as there are over 300 different turtle species worldwide. However, there are some key steps you can take to accurately identify your turtle.
Examine the Shell
The appearance of the shell is the most telling feature when identifying turtle species. Look at the overall shape, color patterns, and distinctive markings on the shell. Some things to note:
- Shape – Is the shell rounded or flattened? Low domed or highly domed?
- Seams – How pronounced are the seams between the scutes (horny plates) on the shell?
- Color – What is the overall background color and what markings or patterns are present?
- Size – How large is the shell? Smaller turtles generally have smoother shells compared to larger species.
For example, box turtles have a highly domed, box-like shell while mud turtles have a smooth, low-domed shell. Map turtles exhibit pronounced seam lines while musk turtles often have reduced seam lines between scutes.
Check the Plastron
The plastron is the lower shell on a turtle. Examine it closely for distinctive patterns, markings, and colors that can aid identification. Things to note:
- Color – Is there a uniform base color or varied patterns/markings?
- Hinge – Is there a hinge across the plastron? A hinge allows the turtle to completely close its shell.
- Notches – Are there any notches taken out of the rear margins of the plastron?
For example, box turtles have a highly domed, box-like shell while mud turtles have a smooth, low-domed shell. Map turtles exhibit pronounced seam lines while musk turtles often have reduced seam lines between scutes.
Head and Neck Features
A turtle’s head and neck can also provide clues for identification. Look for distinguishing characteristics like:
- Color patterns – Bold stripes? Tiny speckles? A solid color?
- Shape – Is the head relatively small? Large and triangular?
- Eyes – How large are the eyes relative to the head? Are they protruding or streamlined?
- Nose – Is the nose tubular and snorkel-like? Short and crayon-shaped?
- Neck – Long and snake-like or hardly visible?
For example, the painted turtle has red and yellow stripes running along its neck while the Eastern musk turtle has noticeable yellow spots running along the sides of its head. The wood turtle has a pointy, shovel-shaped nose for digging while the snapping turtle has small, beady eyes and a sharply hooked upper beak.
Leg and Foot Characteristics
Examining a turtle’s legs, feet, and claws can provide more clues to the exact species:
- Webbing – Is there webbing between the toes and feet? How extensive is it?
- Claws – Are the claws long or short? Sharp or blunt?
- Size – Are the legs and feet large and oar-like or more delicate?
- Color – Any distinctive markings on legs or feet?
For example, sea turtles have large, flipper-like limbs with no visible claws for propelling through water. Mud turtles have extensively webbed feet while box turtles have high-domed, box-like shells with claw-tipped feet. Softshell turtles have small, fleshy, tubercle-like structures at the tips of their snouts.
Identify Unique Markings
Some turtle species have very distinctive markings that can instantly give away their identification. A few examples include:
- Red-eared slider – Bright red stripes behind eyes
- Painted turtle – Red and yellow stripes on neck/shell
- Map turtle – Pronounced seam lines on carapace
- Diamondback terrapin – Diamond-shaped markings on carapace
If you spot any of these unique markings on your turtle, you can quickly narrow down the possible species.
Determine Geographic Location
Identifying where in the world your turtle is from can be a huge help for identification. Many turtle species have very specific native ranges. Some examples:
- Alligator snapping turtle – Southeastern U.S.
- Galapagos tortoise – Galapagos Islands
- Red-footed tortoise – South America
- Indian flapshell turtle – South Asia
If you have found a turtle in the wild, take note of the geographic location where you spotted it. This can immediately rule out any species not native to that region.
Turtle Species Identification Guides
One of the best ways to identify your turtle is to consult a specialized turtle identification guide. These provide detailed descriptions, range maps, and photographs of different turtle species. Some top options include:
- Turtles of the United States and Canada by Jeffrey E. Lovich
- A Field Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians of Eastern and Central America by Robert Powell and Roger Conant
- Turtles of the World by Ernst and Barbour
- Genera of Turtles of the World by Fritz and Havaš
These guides break down key identification features for turtles from various regions worldwide. They allow you to compare your specimen side-by-side to species descriptions and photos.
Consult an Expert
If you are still unsure of your turtle’s species after going through these steps, consider getting an expert opinion. You can reach out to:
- Local wildlife biologists or herpetologists
- Natural history museums
- University biology departments
- Exotic pet veterinarians
- Reptile rescue organizations
Provide the expert with clear, detailed photographs of your turtle from multiple angles along with information on where you found it. This will help them properly identify the species.
Key Takeaways
Identifying turtle species relies on careful examination of physical features like the shell, head, legs, and tail. Unique markings, color patterns, geographic range, biology guides, and expert opinions can all help pin down the exact species. With some detective work and research, you should be able to get a positive ID!
Turtle Species Identification Chart
Here is a quick reference chart highlighting unique identification features for some common turtle species:
| Turtle Species | Key Identification Features |
|---|---|
| Red-eared slider | Red stripe behind eyes, green carapace with yellow lines |
| Painted turtle | Red and yellow stripes on neck/shell |
| Box turtle | High-domed, box-like shell, orange/yellow markings |
| Wood turtle | Reddish-brown shell, orange neck/legs, shovel-shaped nose |
| Map turtle | Pronounced seam lines on shell, pointed snout |
| Snapping turtle | Spiked shell, small cross-shaped plastron |
| Musk turtle | Reduced shell seams, yellow spots on head |
| Mud turtle | Smooth, low-domed shell, skin-covered carapace |
Conclusion
Accurately identifying turtle species takes patience and good observational skills. Focus on the key physical features that set each species apart. Photograph the turtle from multiple angles to capture distinguishing colors, patterns, shell characteristics and more. Consult field guides or experts to match your turtle against known species profiles. With some dedicated detective work, you can get to the bottom of the mystery!
