CHAPTER V: THE TERRAPINS 

 The Genera Chrysemys, Malacoclemmys and Chelopus 



A Group of Aquatic Chelonians Known Commonly as Pond Turtles 

 and River Turtles. They are Characterised by Their Broad, Flat 

 Shell. Most oj the Species are Edible 



The term "Terrapin" is a convenient one, for under this 

 appropriate, popular head we may group all of the North American 

 "turtles," or semi-aquatic chelonians, except the Soft-shelled 

 Turtles {Trionychido'), the Snapping Turtles (Chelydridce) and 

 the Musk Turtles {Cinosternidce). 



Classification oj the Terrapins. — The Terrapins are embraced 

 in the large family Tesiudinidce; three genera are represented 

 in North America. The largest genus is Chrysemys; it contains 

 the largest species and its members range over the United States 

 generally, though most of them inhabit the southeastern por- 

 tion; others occur in Mexico, Central America, South America 

 and the West Indies. Malacoclemmys is a small genus, con- 

 fined to the central and eastern portions of the United States. 

 Chelopus is also a small genus and the species occur only in the 

 United States. 



The Terrapins frequent the borders of ponds, brooks and 

 rivers — some, the salt marshes of the eastern coast. They 

 are characterised by their broad, flattened shell — quite smooth 

 with the majority of them. The hindfeet are extensively webbed; 

 all of these animals are excellent swimmers. Many of the species 

 of Chrysemys have very long, sharp claws on both pair of feet. 



Of all the Terrapins, the "Diamond-back," {Malacoclemmys 

 palustris), is the most familiar, as it is a favourite though costly 

 article of food and a by-word of the eastern markets. The larger 

 species of Chrysemys and several of those belonging to Malaco- 

 clemmys are sold in large numbers, but always at a far less 

 price than the Diamond-back. The former turtles, often 

 seen in large numbers in the markets where they are kept in cold 



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