542 



COLLEGE ZOOLOGY 



The diamond-back terrapin, Malacoclemmys palustris, is 

 famous as an article of food. It lives in the salt marshes of the 

 Atlantic coast. Persistent persecution by market hunters has 

 caused a great decrease in the number of these animals and a 



corresponding increase in their value. 

 The price has risen from twenty- five 

 cents for a large specimen to seventy 

 dollars per dozen for small ones (Horna- 

 day). 



The spotted or pond turtle, Clemmys 

 guttatus, is abundant in the ponds, 

 marshes^ and streams of the eastern 

 United States. Like the painted terra- 

 pin, they may often be seen in groups 

 sunning themselves on floating logs. 

 They feed on dead fish, insect larvae, 

 and probably water-plants. The western 

 pond turtle, Clemmys marmorata, is the 

 only common fresh-water turtle along 

 the Pacific coast. 



Blanding's turtle, Emys blandingii, is a fresh-water form 

 common in the Middle States. Its carapace measures about 

 eight inches in length and its plastron is hinged so that it can be 

 partially closed. This species is not as aquatic as the TESTU- 

 DINHLE already described, but is often found wandering about 

 on wet ground. Unlike the more aquatic turtles, it can eat out 

 of water. Emys orbicularis is the European pond turtle. 



Terrapene Carolina is the common box turtle. The plastron of 

 this species, and of the five other species belonging to the genus 

 Terrapene, is hinged transversely near the center so that the shell 

 can be closed completely when the animal is in danger. Terrapene 

 Carolina has a highly arched carapace about five inches in length. 

 It occurs in the Northeastern states and is terrestrial in habits, 

 living in dry woods and feeding on berries, tender shoots, earth- 

 worms, and insects. 



FIG. 445. The painted 

 terrapin, Chrysemys picta. 

 (From Gadow.) 



