56. CHELONIA 



Description. — Forelimbs long, paddle-shaped, with one 

 well developed claw. Head covered above with large plates 

 of which one pair occupy the prefrontal region j frontal rather 

 small J interparietal largest. Snout in profile often extending 

 anterior to edge of beak. Horny plates of shell thin, not 

 imbricate J 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 



