Pangshura tentoria (Indian tent turtle)

Pangshura tentoria (Indian tent turtle)

The Indian tent turtle (Pangshura tentoria) is a freshwater species found across parts of South Asia. Known for its tent-like shell shape, this turtle is both colorful and adaptable, often seen basking along riverbanks and streams. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: PangshuraSpecies: Pangshura tentoria Common Names Indian tent turtleTent turtle Identification DescriptionThis…

upside down red eared slider turtle on rock

Trachemys scripta elegans (Red Eared Slider)

The red-eared slider is one of the most recognized freshwater turtles in the world. Its striking red stripe behind each eye makes it easy to spot. This turtle is popular in the pet trade and often seen basking on logs in ponds and lakes. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys scriptaSubspecies:…

yellow bellied slider

Trachemys scripta scripta (Yellow-bellied slider)

The yellow-bellied slider is a freshwater turtle found in the southeastern United States. It’s known for its bright yellow markings and strong swimming ability. This turtle is often seen basking on logs or rocks in ponds and slow-moving rivers. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys scriptaSubspecies: Trachemys scripta scripta Common Names…

Trachemys scripta (Pond Slider)

Trachemys scripta (Pond Slider)

The Pond Slider is one of the most recognizable turtles in the world, known for the red streaks on both sides of its head. It’s often seen basking in the sun on logs or rocks near freshwater areas and is a common pet turtle in many countries. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus:…

Testudo marginata (Marginated Tortoise)

Testudo marginata (Marginated Tortoise)

The Marginated Tortoise (Testudo marginata) is the largest tortoise species native to Europe. Recognized by its flared rear shell, it thrives in rocky hillsides and scrublands. This hardy species is well adapted to dry climates and exhibits strong burrowing behavior. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: TestudoSpecies: T. marginata Common Names Marginated Tortoise…

Stigmochelys pardalis (Leopard Tortoise)

Stigmochelys pardalis (Leopard Tortoise)

Stigmochelys pardalis, known as the leopard tortoise, is a large, slow-moving tortoise species found in the grasslands and savannas of eastern and southern Africa. Its name comes from the bold, black and yellow pattern on its shell, which resembles the spots of a leopard. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: TestudinidaeGenus: StigmochelysSpecies: Stigmochelys pardalis…

Sternotherus carinatus (Razor-backed Musk Turtle)

Sternotherus carinatus (Razor-backed Musk Turtle)

Sternotherus carinatus, commonly known as the Razor-backed Musk Turtle, is a small freshwater turtle named for the distinct sharp ridge running along its shell. Found in slow-moving waters of the southeastern United States, this species is secretive and primarily aquatic, rarely basking outside the water. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: SternotherusSpecies: Sternotherus…

Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Spot-legged Wood Turtle)

Rhinoclemmys punctularia (Spot-legged Wood Turtle)

Rhinoclemmys punctularia, commonly known as the Spot-legged Wood Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to parts of South America. It is recognized for its distinctive spotted limbs and its adaptability to both aquatic and terrestrial environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: R. punctularia Common Names Spot-legged Wood TurtleSpotted-legged Wood Turtle…

Rhinoclemmys melanosterna (Colombian wood turtle)

Rhinoclemmys melanosterna (Colombian wood turtle)

Rhinoclemmys melanosterna, commonly known as the Colombian wood turtle, is a semi-aquatic species found in the lowland rainforests and wetlands of South America. It is known for its distinctive dark markings and adaptability to both terrestrial and aquatic environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: Rhinoclemmys melanosterna Common Names Colombian Wood TurtleBlack-breasted…

Rhinoclemmys diademata (Maracaibo wood turtle)

Rhinoclemmys diademata (Maracaibo wood turtle)

Rhinoclemmys diademata, commonly known as the Maracaibo wood turtle, is a freshwater turtle native to Venezuela. This species is part of the Geoemydidae family and is known for its distinctive shell markings and semi-terrestrial lifestyle. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: GeoemydidaeGenus: RhinoclemmysSpecies: R. diademata Common Names Maracaibo wood turtle Identification Description The Maracaibo…

Myuchelys latisternum (Saw-shelled Turtle)

Myuchelys latisternum (Saw-shelled Turtle)

Myuchelys latisternum, commonly known as the Saw-shelled Turtle, is a freshwater species native to Australia. It is known for its serrated carapace, which gives it a saw-like appearance, and its ability to tolerate diverse aquatic environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: ChelidaeGenus: MyuchelysSpecies: M. latisternum Common Names Saw-shelled TurtleBroad-shelled Turtle Identification Description This…

Mesoclemmys tuberculata (Tuberculated Toad-headed Turtle)

Mesoclemmys tuberculata (Tuberculated Toad-headed Turtle)

Mesoclemmys tuberculata, commonly known as the Tuberculated Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle native to parts of South America. Recognized by its textured shell and unique head shape, this species plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys tuberculata features a robust, domed shell adorned with tubercles, giving…

Mesoclemmys raniceps (Amazon Toad-headed Turtle)

Mesoclemmys raniceps (Amazon Toad-headed Turtle)

Mesoclemmys raniceps, commonly known as the Amazon Toad-headed Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to the Amazon Basin. Renowned for its unique head shape and adaptability, this species plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys raniceps is characterized by its distinctively broad and flattened head, resembling…

Mesoclemmys gibba (gibba turtle)

Mesoclemmys gibba (gibba turtle)

Mesoclemmys gibba, commonly known as the gibba turtle, is a freshwater species native to South America. Known for its distinctive shell and adaptable nature, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Mesoclemmys gibba is a medium-sized freshwater turtle with a domed carapace, typically brown to olive in…

Melanochelys trijuga (Indian Black Turtle)

Melanochelys trijuga (Indian Black Turtle)

Melanochelys trijuga, commonly known as the Indian Black Turtle, is a distinctive freshwater turtle species native to the Indian subcontinent. Renowned for its dark-colored carapace, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem and holds cultural significance in various regions. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Indian Black Turtle has a robust, dome-shaped…

Mauremys rivulata (Balkan pond turtle)

Mauremys rivulata (Balkan pond turtle)

Mauremys rivulata, commonly known as the Balkan pond turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to the Balkan Peninsula. Known for its distinctive shell patterns and adaptability, this turtle plays a vital role in its ecosystem. Despite facing various threats, conservation efforts are underway to ensure its survival. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The…

Malayemys macrocephala (Malayan snail-eating turtle)

Malayemys macrocephala (Malayan snail-eating turtle)

Malayemys macrocephala, commonly known as the Malayan snail-eating turtle, is a freshwater species well-suited for its unique diet of mollusks. This turtle is primarily found in Southeast Asia and is known for its distinctively large head and striking shell patterns. Scientific Classification Common Names Malayan snail-eating turtleLarge-headed snail-eating turtle Identification Description This species has a…

Kinosternon subrubrum (Eastern Mud Turtle)

Kinosternon subrubrum (Eastern Mud Turtle)

The Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is a small, semi-aquatic turtle known for its adaptability and inconspicuous nature. Its unassuming shell and secretive behavior make it a fascinating species native to the southeastern United States. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: subrubrum Common Names Eastern Mud Turtle, Common Mud Turtle Identification DescriptionEastern…