Malaclemys terrapin

Diamondback Terrapin

Florida distribution: coastal areas of entire state.

All 7 of the Malaclemys terrapin subspecies are protected in Florida, not just the 5 that are found here. There is a possession limit of two. You are not allowed to buy, sell, or trade this species (i.e. no commercial activity) in Florida. Even if specimens are CB or originate from outside the state. 

Malaclemys terrapin centrata

Carolina Diamondback Terrapin

Distribution: east coast of Florida from  Flagler county north to Nassau county and beyond.

No picture yet.

Malaclemys terrapin tequesta

East Coast Diamondback Terrapin

Distribution: east coast of Volusia county south to central Dade county.

Sub-adult from captive collection.

These two hatchlings were found together in a swimming pool. They are probably from the same clutch, yet they look quite different. Thanks to Julia P. for the save and for contacting me about these two.

The plastron of the left hatchling.

The plastron of the right hatchling.

More Eastern Diamondback Terrapin pictures can be found this Link.

Malaclemys terrapin rhizophorarum

Mangrove Diamondback Terrapin

Distribution: southern tip of the state, Dade and Monroe counties.

This is from an Upper Keys population.

Plastron of above animal.

Head of a different female.

Striped pants commonly seen in the Upper Keys Terrapins.

Malaclemys terrapin macrospilota

Ornate Diamondback Terrapin

Distribution: Monroe county north to Walton county.

These animals are flawless and were raised in captivity.

Male on left and female on right.

More Ornate Diamondback Terrapin pictures can be found at this Link.

Malaclemys terrapin pileata

Mississippi Diamondback Terrapin

Distribution: Okaloosa county west to Escambia county.

There are few records for this subspecies in Florida. Instead of spending days in fruitless searching, I cheated and found one from Mobile Bay at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab. Thanks to Brian James and the folks there I can share these pictures with you. Check out the Sea Lab when in the area.

The gold color on the top of the head is similar that found in many of the tequesta I have seen (others were black).

The skin color in this animal is also very similar to the tequesta I have seen with gold colored heads.

The reddish plastron on this animal was not striped, but spotted.

Diamondback Terrapins are highly variable in appearance and if I get a chance to photograph some from Florida, or more from Mobile Bay, I will share them here.