The Terrapins 



Distribution. The range of the Yellow-bellied Terrapin 

 is restricted. 



It occurs from Virginia to Georgia. Holbrook says it does 

 not extend into the interior. He was not aware of its existence 

 two hundred miles from the coast. It lives about pools of stag- 

 nant water and in marshes, where specimens may be seen sunning 

 on derelict timber. Large numbers are brought to the Charleston 

 markets, where they are sold at a much lower figure than the 

 diamond-back terrapin Malacodemmys palustris. 



THE CUMBERLAND TERRAPIN 



Cbrysemys elegans, (Wied) 



Outlines of the shell similar to the preceding, but the cara- 

 pace is not so deeply furrowed. 



Colouration. Markings on the carapace similar to C. scripta, 

 but the colouration of the plastron and head is entirely different. 

 Plastron yellow, densely clouded with black or dark brown. 



Head markings. The pattern of the head is constant, 

 vivid and characteristic. Top and sides of the head with crowded, 

 pale greenish-yellow lines; from the eye to the base of the head 

 is a broad band of rich crimson. 



Dimensions. Average length of carapace, 10 inches; width, 

 y inches; length of plastron, 9^- inches. 



Distribution. Extends over a considerable area Ohio 

 to Kansas, southward to the Gulf States and to the lower Rio 

 Grande River. 



Habits. Very hardy as a captive. It eats chopped fish 

 and meat, and very tender green vegetables that may be thrown 

 upon the water. Large numbers may be seen in the markets, 

 where they are sold as "Sliders." 



THE TEXAS TERRAPIN 

 Chrysemys texana, (Baur) 



Shell rather flat; not deeply furrowed. Head of fair size. 



The original description* reads: "Skull small, similar to 

 P.-f rubriventris. Upper jaw notched in the centre, with a 

 rounded tooth on each side, not so prominent as in P. rubriventris. 

 Lower jaw similar to P. rubriventris. 



* Proc. Am. Philosophical Society. Phila. XXXI, No. 141, page 223. 

 t Stands for Psendemys a generic name proposed for the terrapins. 



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