Diamondback Terrapin

(Malaclemys terrapin)

SNOWFLAKES OF THE MARSH


Diet

  • Living in the salt marsh they can eat anything from crustaceans, small fish, and mollusks including periwinkle snails


Agility

  • Slow movers on land because of their heavy shell and short legs

  • Move better in the water and can swim for short periods of time to find food

  • Can hold their breath long enough to take a nap


Defense Mechanisms

  • Excellent at camouflaging in the marsh with their tough green and black shells

  • Can throw up to distract a predator as they quickly swim away


Superpower

  • Only reptile in SC that lives its whole life in brackish water/salt marsh