57. CARETTA 999 
The carapace is brownish or blackish above. The plas- 
tron is yellowish. 
The usual length of carapace is between two and three 
feet, but specimens a foot longer sometimes are taken. 
Distribution.—The tropical and subtropical waters of the 
Pacific Ocean are included in the range of this Loggerhead 
Turtle. One very young individual was collected near San 
Jose del Cabo, Lower California. An adult was captured 
at sea at latitude 22 degrees between Cerros and San Bene- 
dicto islands. The species has not been recorded from Cali- 
fornia but may perhaps occasionally visit our coast. 
Remarks.—Large specimens may weigh nearly 500 
pounds. Usually their weight is much less. This turtle 
often is met far from land. It is not used as food. 
Habits—Loggerhead Turtles more often are met in 
mid-ocean than either the Green or the Shell turtles. Like 
these species they resort to sandy beaches to lay their eggs 
in pits which they dig. They seem to be chiefly carnivorous, 
eating crabs, molluscs, and fish. 
Family 20. DERMOCHELID® 
This family contains only the marine turtles of the genus 
Dermochelys, variously known as the Leather-backed Turtle, 
Trunk Turtle, Luth, Lyre Turtle, Harp Turtle, or Leathery 
Turtle. The Atlantic and Pacific Ocean turtles now are 
regarded as specifically distinct, but are as yet little known. 
These turtles reach a size greater than that of any other 
existing turtle. The shell is without horny shields. The 
vertebrae and ribs are not fused with the carapace. 
