New York Zoological Society. 
DIAMOND-BACK TERRAPIN (Malaclemys centrata concentrica ). Length: 8 inches. 
Range: Massachusetts to Maryland. 
of growth. It is interesting to note that the death rate of young turtles raised 
on “farms” is only about five per cent. 
Diamond-backs cannot live in fresh water since a fungus grows on 
their bodies and infects their flesh. In captivity, they will thrive if salt is 
mixed into their water, to give it the brackish flavor of their native habitat. 
BOX TURTLE 
A timid little creature, the common box turtle has a number of enter¬ 
taining characteristics and is the subject of humorous stories. 
It can completely seal its body within its two shells, thus withdrawing 
from the outside world whenever danger seems to threaten. The lower shell 
is hinged, enabling this turtle to pull in its legs, head and tail and then 
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