The Terrapins 



and dive for safety upon the slightest disturbance. The writer 

 has found many specimens along brooks that here and there 

 spread into thick grassy spots. It is in this water-grass that the 

 turtles delight to hide, after feeding. The species always feeds 

 under water and, in fact, appears to be unable to swallow unless 

 the head is submerged. The food consists largely of dead fish 

 and the larvae of aquatic insects. Captive specimens will eat 

 the tender leaves of lettuce if these be thrown upon the surface of 

 their tank. It therefore appears probable that they feed upon 

 various water plants as well, while in a wild condition. 



MUHLENBERG'S TURTLE 



Chelopus muhlenbergii, (Schweigger) 



Carapace very similar to that of the preceding, but nar- 

 rower, and showing fine, concentric grooves on small specimens 

 and young adults. 



Colouration. Carapace black or dull brown, with dull 

 yellowish or reddish markings in the centre of each of the larger 

 shields. These markings look like the outlines of a drop of 

 fluid that has fallen from some height and splashed irregularly 

 in all directions. The plastron is black with yellow blotches. 



The head is black, with a large patch of brilliant orange- 

 yellow on each temple. 



The higher and narrower carapace, the absence of yellow 

 dots, and the presence of the large and brilliant orange blotches 

 on the temples, at once distinguish this species from the Spotted 

 Turtle. 



Dimensions. Length of Carapace 4 inches. 



Width " 2 | 



Length of Plastron 3^ 



Width, Flat Portion, Plastron ... if 



Length of Tail (Male) if 



Width of Head | 



Distribution. Restricted to the southern portion of New 

 York state, New Jersey generally, and eastern Pennsylvania. 

 It is very rare in some localities and fairly abundant in others. 

 The writer has captured several specimens on the palisades of 

 the Hudson River and received several dozen specimens from 

 Staten Island, New York. 



Habits. In habits Muhlenberg's Turtle occupies a position 



Si 



