Having a great understanding of the types of food that Florida turtles eat is a must if you’re going to successfully raise them. There are a few different species of these creatures that you’ll find in the state, and you need to know how to care for them to ensure they live a happy and healthy life.
Contents
Chicken turtles
Originally known as “chicken turtle”, this species of mid-sized turtles are found throughout North America and Greenland. They can be found in both aquatic and terrestrial habitats, but prefer shallow, still waters. They are omnivores, consuming a wide variety of food, including frogs, fish, tadpoles, and invertebrates. They are also predators, attacking aquatic crustaceans, tadpoles, and insects.
Males grow slightly smaller than females, but both sexes exhibit the typical long neck, long tail, and large, inquisitive eyes. The adult female Chicken Turtles are about 12 inches long, while the males are about 7.5 to 8.5 centimeters in length.
These turtles live in both fresh and brackish water, and are mostly found in coastal plains of the southeastern U.S., but they are absent from the Piedmont region. They can also be found in the highlands of central Mexico.
This species of turtles has a distinctive carapace, which features a pear-shaped rump and a yellowish, net-like pattern on the shell. They have extremely long necks, and they use chemical and tactile cues to sense their environment.
Florida softshell turtles
Among the numerous species of turtles, the Florida softshell turtle is the largest and most widespread. It is also the only softshell turtle that ranges across the entire Florida peninsula. The carapace of a Florida softshell turtle is covered with longitudinal rows of tubercles. The skin under the shell is cream or gray in color.
The Florida softshell turtle is not usually dangerous. However, it is known to be a bit aggressive and can be a threat to more sensitive species. They have a long neck and a sharp claw that can be used to bite.
The males of the species reach sexual maturity at a relatively young age, around 15 centimeters (6 inches) of length. The females, on the other hand, reach maturity at a slightly larger size.
The Florida softshell turtle lives in fresh water. It is not usually a threatened species, but it is listed as a Species of Concern in South Carolina.
Barbour’s map turtles
Known as the largest map turtle in the world, Barbour’s map turtle is found throughout the northern part of the New World. It lives in rivers and streams, mainly in the Gulf Coastal Plain and Southeast United States. It is a carnivorous animal that eats mollusks, snails, and insects.
Males have an average length of 3.5 to 5.5 inches, while females can grow to 12.5 inches. Adults have black-tipped spines on their vertebral scutes. The skin of the legs and head is colored from olive to black, while the tail can be yellowish green.
This turtle has a saw-like high-domed shell. It is known to be a good swimmer. It prefers fast-flowing rivers and streams. However, its habitat is diminishing. This species is considered vulnerable and is state-listed in Georgia, Alabama, and Florida.
This turtle is a popular pet. It is illegal to own it in Alabama and Michigan, and it is not allowed to be traded in the United States. It is also threatened by overcollection. It is also susceptible to changes in weather patterns that can affect its fitness.
Common snapping turtles
Whether you’re visiting Florida or living in the state, there are two species of snapping turtles that you’ll definitely want to keep an eye out for. Both are aggressive predators, though they are not known to be a threat to humans.
Both species have powerful jaws that can chomp with up to 200 newtons of force. They’re also capable of removing human fingers in a single bite.
The common snapping turtle is an omnivore, and it eats a wide variety of animals and plants. It’s also known to eat many aquatic plants. The turtle has large, beak-like jaws that are capable of decapitating larger prey.
These turtles live in marshes and lakes, but they’re also found in rivers. They can be found throughout North America, ranging from Florida to Canada. These turtles have a curved, rough skin that is gray with black flecks. They have a single row of spines along the middle of their back.
