Florida Freshwater Turtles Identification
In addition collecting of freshwater turtle eggs is.
Florida freshwater turtles identification. Identify if the turtle is a freshwater turtle a tortoise or a sea turtle. Discover life s page about the biology natural history ecology identification and distribution of turtles identification guide discover life. Taking turtles with bucket traps snares or shooting with firearms is prohibited. Taking turtles with bucket traps snares or shooting with firearms is prohibited.
Freshwater turtles can only be taken by hand dip net minnow seine or baited hook. Checklist of florida turtles click on thumbnails for a larger view apalone ferox schneider 1783 florida softshell. Ample freshwater areas and the temperate climate of the northern part of the state explains much of the florida turtles diversity story. To best identify the turtle species strictly follow the steps.
Florida turtle species. Most freshwater turtles may be taken year round. There are thirteen families in the order and more than 356 species therefore freshwater turtles are reptiles like snakes and lizards. If you have pet turtles knowing how to identify a turtle is a must.
Softshell turtles may not be taken from the wild from may 1 to july 31. Wild freshwater turtles live in ponds and lakes and they climb out of the water onto logs or rocks to bask in the warm sun. Turtles are classified as members of kingdom animalia phylum chordata class reptilia and order testudines. On any given warm day a trip down the suwanee river for example provides tourists with views of dozens of basking water turtles occupying fallen trees and branches around every river bend.
In addition collecting freshwater turtle eggs is prohibited. Both species are threatened by. Chicken turtle deirochelys reticularia. Escambia map turtle graptemys ernsti.
Emydidae freshwater turtles spotted turtle clemmys guttata. The southeastern united states is one of the richest areas in the world for turtle diversity and florida is among the top states in turtle species numbers with over 30 native turtle species most of which are freshwater turtles. Possession limits for the following turtle species and their eggs are as follows. Freshwater 55 terrestrial 9 marine 7 saltwater 1 head and neck pattern.
Head and neck pattern head pattern. Softshell turtles may not be taken from the wild from may 1 to july 31. Florida box turtle terrapene ornata ornata ornate box turtle. Jacksonville university researchers report two of florida s most common freshwater turtles peninsula cooters and red bellied cooters tend to travel.
If the front limbs are flippers then this is a sea turtle. Diamondback terrapin malaclemys terrapin. Besides freshwater turtles florida is home to the gopher tortoise box. They are large and rare to come across as they spend most of their lives in.
Most freshwater turtles may be taken year round.
