Joe Cortez
Turtles are considered to be well-socialized and intelligent companions and can bring years of joy to those looking for a long-term pet that doesn’t require too much space. However, many first-time turtle owners find themselves with a lot of questions about their shelled pets. Have you ever wondered where turtles come from? And do you know how to identify the type of turtle you have at home?
Whether you’re a first-time turtle owner or have kept turtles in the past, there’s a lot to learn about these mysterious creatures. Here are some frequently asked questions and fun facts you should know about turtles.
What is a Turtle?
“Turtle” is a very broad term that describes many reptiles with protective shells. Some biologists believe that turtles date back to the Jurassic Period, with the first turtles appearing more than 157 million years ago.
“Turtles are reptiles that spend at least part of their lives in the water,” says Dr. Jen Quammen, a veterinarian at Grant’s Lick Animal Hospital in Butler, Ky. “Turtles don’t have teeth, but they do have beaks that are similar to parrots.”
Turtles are widely known for their shells, but this part is actually not an extension of the turtle’s spine. The shell is made up of two parts: an upper shell and a lower spine.
“A turtle’s thorax is fused to the shell,” Quammen says. “They can extend their legs, head and tail through the shell, but they can’t detach them from the shell.” Although all reptiles in this group have shells, the word “turtle” isn’t necessarily considered a descriptive term for all animals in this group. Internationally, scientists often refer to reptiles in this group of animals as “turtles.” TurtlesThey are further divided into three different species: turtles, tortoises, and soft-shelled turtles.
What is the difference between a turtle and a tortoise?
Though they may look and behave very similarly, turtles and tortoises are different animals with very different needs to survive. The main difference between the two is that turtles need water to live, while tortoises live on land and tend to be solitary. Turtles are often found around water sources, and despite being aquatic, they do not breathe underwater like fish do, and they need oxygen to live. Soft-shelled turtles are somewhere in between the two, spending their time swimming underwater and basking in the sun on logs and rocks.
“Turtles tend to have flattened shells to enhance their swimming ability,” Quammen said, “and their feet are often webbed and have long claws to aid in swimming.”
When it’s breeding season, turtles don’t lay their eggs in water. Instead, they lay their eggs on land and let them hatch naturally. Where turtles lay their eggs depends on several factors, including the natural environment.
Although they share many physical similarities with turtles, they are separate animals that require a different level of care. Turtles need a source of water to survive, whereas tortoises live entirely on land. Often considered reclusive animals, turtles are very slow-moving, with a maximum speed of 5 miles per hour on land, which is only slightly faster than the walking speed of the average human.
“Tortoises have dome-shaped shells,” Quammen added, “and they have heavier, thicker shells, shorter, stubby legs, and shorter claws.”
How many types of turtles are there?
According to Quammen, there are more than 250 species of turtles in the world, spanning 14 families and living in a variety of environments around the world. Overall, turtles can be found on nearly every continent and ocean.
This is why it is important to distinguish between turtles, land turtles, and terrapins among the turtle family. Turtles are thought to spend most of their lives in the water, only coming to the surface to breathe and lay eggs. Land turtles are also considered a type of turtle, but they spend their entire lives outside of the water, on land. Terrapins, the most common pet turtle, spend their entire lives moving between land and water and love to swim. Terrapins are commonly found in freshwater sources in the United States and around the world.
What species of turtle do I have?
There are three signs that can help you determine what kind of turtle you have in your home: The first sign to consider is the shape of the turtle’s shell: Quammen says those with smoother, flatter shells are more likely to be turtles, while those with domed, rougher shells are more likely to be land turtles.
“Next, look at the shape and structure of the feet,” Quammen advises. “Do they have long claws, or are they short and stout?” Turtles have long, webbed, clawed feet for better swimming, while land turtles have short, stubby feet that allow them to traverse rough terrain.
Finally, once you know if it’s a turtle or a tortoise, look for telltale signs of that species. Red-eared sliders have red spots where the ears would normally be, while box turtles have a high shell that they can close. Conversely, red-footed turtles get their name from the red spots on their feet. If you want to know more, ask your vet for help.
What eats turtles?
In the wild, turtles face many predators that they would not normally encounter at home. Animals that have been known to prey on turtles include wild dogs, coyotes, birds, and alligators. Young turtles are at greatest risk of being preyed upon.
“Sea turtles can be prey for mammals, large birds such as eagles, other birds of prey, or other reptiles,” Quammen said. Additionally, humans have traditionally hunted and eaten sea turtles throughout history. However, because sea turtles are considered an endangered species, international law prohibits the use of sea turtles for meat in most parts of the world.
Turtles, tortoises, terrapins, or whatever you call them, turtles have a deep and rich history both in the wild and as pets, and with a little knowledge about these majestic creatures, they can provide joy and companionship for years to come.
image: Jodi Ann / Shutterstock
