Common Turtle Species

Turtles belong to the order Testudines which are some of the oldest reptiles that are alive. This group includes all turtle species as well as tortoises and terrapins. The order is divided into two suborders: Cryptodira which includes most types of tortoises and turtle species, and the Pleurodira or the side-neck turtles which are common in the southern hemisphere. Under the suborder Cryptodira are twenty-two families of turtles, fourteen of which are still in existence including the tortoise family of Testudinidae.

Snapping turtles

The family of Chelydridae includes what are commonly known as one of the most dangerous turtle species – the snapping turtles. These turtles are characterized by their long necks, powerful jaws and a relatively vicious temper. Handling this species can be a bit of a challenge especially since they are relatively large and pretty aggressive. Some turtle species belonging to this family can also be found in freshwater swamps in North America. The alligator snapping turtle, for instance, is found in the Missouri River as well as in South Carolina and Florida. Snapping turtles are turtle species that have the ability to stay under water for almost an hour.

Bog turtles

These are turtle species that belong to the family Emydidae, the largest and most diverse family of turtles. These freshwater species are considered one of the smallest in the world and are commonly found in freshwater environments. Bog turtles rarely grow beyond four inches and are characterized by a bright yellow or orange blotch on each side of their necks and head. Bog turtles also have an almost rectangular shell and are generally omnivorous.

Slider turtles

Another member of the family Emydidae, slider turtles are generally vegetarians. They are more apt to feed on plants rather than on prey. These turtle species are known for their red or yellow shell. Some organisms under this turtle species also have a dash of red splotches behind their eyes. These are generally known as the red-eared sliders.

Box turtles

Typically land turtles, this turtle species are also known to live near the water. They usually inhabit swamps and moist environments. They are commonly obtained as pets mainly because they can easily adapt to life on land. Box turtles are omnivores and are known to have sharp eyes and a keen sense of smell. These characteristics help them find food such as snails, insects, fungi, slugs, and roots. This turtle species can also live up to as long as fifty years. One thing that you should learn about box turtles is that they tend to get easily stressed by overhandling so they are not advisable form small children. Interestingly, this turtle species have the need to stay in the same area where they were born. If you move a box turtle even just a half a mile from its original place, it has the tendency to spend its time searching for a way back even if it wouldn’t ever find it.

Various turtle species have different habits so it’s important to read more about them to ensure that you’re taking care of your pet properly.

Pet Turtle Care Tip #1

Turtles are members of the Reptile family and they are some of the oldest living creatures on the planet. They have been around for more than two hundred million years. This makes them as old as the dinosaurs. There are hundreds of different kinds of turtles all over the planet.

Pet Turtle Care Tip #2

Sea turtles are the most popular of all of the turtles. These are also some of the largest creatures—some sea turtles can grow to more than six feet in length and weigh hundreds of pounds. Scientists think that sea turtles are actually land creatures that went back into the water and never came out. Over time their limbs evolved to make them stronger swimmers and to keep them in the water: their front appendages are actually flippers.

Pet Turtle Care Tip #3

All turtles, even sea turtles, are air breathing creatures. While some turtles can stay under the water for hours at a time, they all must surface at least once a day to stay alive. There is one turtle, the giant turtle that only has to surface once a day to take in air. There are some studies being done to see if some species of turtle might be able to draw oxygen from their cells much like some fish use their gills to breathe.

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