The Terrapins 



THE WOOD TERRAPIN 



Chelopus insculpius, (Le Conte) 



Carapace with a strong keel ; each of the shields contains many 

 concentric grooves, rising, one above the other, to an extent that 

 produces a bulging formation. The entire carapace has a rough, 

 chiseled aspect, hence the specific name — insculpius. On the 

 rear margin the carapace is serrated. There is a deep notch 

 at the rear of the plastron. 



Colouration. — The upper shell is dull brown, each plate 

 marked with narrow and radiating yellow lines and spots. On 

 the lower edge the carapace is yellow with large, black patches. 

 The plastron is yellow, each plate containing a large patch of 

 black. 



The fleshy parts, with the exception of the lop of the head and 

 limbs, are bright brick red. 



Dimensions. — The measurements of an adult, female speci- 

 men are given: 



Length of Carapace 6^ inches. 



Width " " 5J " 



Length of Plastron 6| 



Total Width of Plastron 4J 



Eight inches represents the length of a large specimen. 



Distribution. — The Northeastern United States, from Maine 

 to Pennsylvania (inclusive); westward to Ohio. 



Habits. — The Wood Terrapin is not aquatic in habits, al- 

 though it usually frequents damp places and can swim readily. 

 It prowls in damp woods and swamps, feeding upon tender vege- 

 tation, berries and insects. In the spring it is usually found 

 about streams and at that time is often seen in the water. 



Captive specimens are fond of berries and lettuce. They 

 will also devour chopped fish and the larva2 of beetles, coming 

 to the hand that feeds them and taking food from the fingers. 



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