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Diamond-back Terrapin — Part 2
The Wood Terrapin, C. insculptus, is the largest species, attaining a length of about eight inches. The Western Pond Turtle, C. marmoratus, is but slightly smaller. The remaining two species grow to a maximum size of about four inches--in length of shell. The feet of these turtles are not extensively webbed.
The characters of the four species may be thus outlined:
a. Shell quite smooth; not serrated in rear.
Carapace black, with scattered, round, yellow spots.
Head black, with small yellow blotches.
SPOTTED TURTLE, C. guttatus.
Carapace black or brown, each shield with a dull, reddish blotch. A large, orange blotch on each side of head. MUHLENBERG'S TURTLE, C. muhlenbergii.
Carapace black, each shield enclosing a cluster of fine, yellow spots.
WESTERN POND TURTLE, C. marmoratus.
b. Shell with coarse, concentric grooves; serrated in the rear.
Carapace brown. Neck and limbs brick red.
WOOD TERRAPIN, C. insculptus.
Detailed descriptions follow: