Scientific name Terrapene coahuila Higher classification Terrapene Order Turtle | Subphylum Vertebrata Genus Terrapene Phylum Chordata Rank Species | |
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Similar Turtle, Box turtle, Reptile, Spotted box turtle, Terrapene ornata | ||
Critically endangered coahuilan box turtle
The Coahuilan box turtle (Terrapene coahuila), or aquatic box turtle, is an endangered species of turtle in the Emydidae family. Unlike the other members of the genus Terrapene, this turtle spends roughly 90% of its time in water.
Contents
- Critically endangered coahuilan box turtle
- Geographic range
- Habitat
- Description
- Diet
- Reproduction
- References
It is a close relative to the common box turtle (T. carolina). Researchers have therefore suggested that it developed from a nonaquatic species in order to survive in the desert springs of Cuatro Ciénegas.
Geographic range
It is endemic to the vicinity of Cuatro Ciénegas in Coahuila, Mexico. Within an area of less than 800 km² (300 sq mi), there are several distinct pockets of this species. During the rainy season, Coahuilan box turtles may leave their home range and travel throughout the desert.
Habitat
It is associated with marshes and springs, and is the only aquatic species within its genus. It is typically encountered among tall grass and brush in marshy areas, and prefers shallow water with dense vegetation (such as Chara spp., Eleocharis rostellata, and Scirpus olneyi ) and a muddy bottom. By digging down into the mud, the turtle can cool itself.
Description
The body is adapted for spending long periods of time in the water, and the shell is often covered in algae. Just like any other box turtle, it has a hinged shell that can be completely closed. The skin is dark, usually dark brown and dark gray, but some areas can appear completely black.
Diet
This is an opportunistic feeder that will devour both plants and other animals. It will for instance eat fly larvae, dragonfly nymphs, beetles, true bugs, reptiles, fish, crayfish, and plant matter (such as Eleocharis spp.) in the wild.
Reproduction
Mating takes place in shallow water from September to June, and eggs are laid from May to September. The eggs are laid in small clutches, typically consisting of just 2-3 eggs per clutch.