56. CHELONIA 997 
Description.—¥orelimbs long, paddle-shaped, with one 
well developed claw. Head covered above with large plates 
of which one pair occupy the prefrontal region; frontal rather 
small; interparietal largest. Snout in profile often extending 
anterior to edge of beak. Horny plates of shell thin, not 
imbricate; vertebrals five, costals four, marginals 12 on each 
side and a nuchal. A series of plates between marginals and 
large plastral plates. 
The carapace is olive or brownish, often clouded or 
mottled with yellow. The plastron is yellow. 
The usual length of carapace is between two and three 
feet. 
Distribution —This turtle is abundant in the tropical 
waters of the Pacific Ocean. It breeds in considerable num- 
bers on Socorro Island and has been recorded from both 
coasts of Lower California, at San Bartolome Bay, Magda- 
lena Bay, Willard Bay, the mouth of the Colorado River, 
and Tiburon Island. It may perhaps occasionally occur off 
the coast of southern California, but I know of no definite 
records. Stephens says one was caught at National City and 
that this turtle has been seen in San Diego Bay and Mission 
Bay, San Diego County. 
Remarks.—Large specimens may weigh five or six hun- 
dred pounds, but the average is much smaller. Of all the 
sea turtles this is the only one much used for food. It may 
often be seen in our markets, and is known as the Green or 
Soup Turtle. They are reported to haul out on the beaches 
at San Bartolome Bay for egg laying in April and May. 
Habits—Like the other marine species this turtle de- 
posits its eggs in pits on sandy shores. The female goes 
ashore at night and crawls over the sand to a point above 
