Sea Turtles | Herps of Texas

Caretta caretta

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Caretta caretta

Common Name. Loggerhead Sea Turtle

General information. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is a marine turtle, most frequently seen when females come onto nesting beaches to lay eggs. Females may follow a pattern of migrating to a reproductive area, nesting, migration from nesting area to feeding area, and extended period of active feeding. Omnivorous, the loggerhead feeds on jellyfish, squid and many hard-shelled prey, like barnacles, snails, and bivalves. Juveniles feed on invertebrates associated with floating mats of seaweed.

Protected status. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the loggerhead seaturtle to be a federally threatened species.

Diagnostic features. Elongated carapace, with five or more pair of pleural scutes (the first pair touch 1st cervical scute) Carapace may have slight keel in juveniles, becoming smoother with age. Unhinged plastron that may have two longitudinal ridges that are lost with age. Three poreless inframarginals along bridge. Broad head rounded in front; top of head with two pair of prefrontals. Paddle-like front limbs.

Coloration. Carapace dark, from reddish-brown to olive, though some scutes with yellow borders Plastron yellow to white. Skin often darker dorsally (with yellow or cream color ventrally). Head yellow, reddish, or brown; scales on head may be bordered in yellow.

General distribution. In North America, the distribution of Caretta caretta is found along the Atlantic Coast from Canada to the southern Gulf Coast. They are also found along the Pacific Coast from Alaska to Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Caretta caretta has been spotted along the majority of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Habitat. Loggerhead Sea Turtle can be found in worldwide in most seas.

Reproduction. Peak nesting dates are May through July. Females may lay 1-3 clutches during a nesting season, with eggs averaging 110-130 per clutch. Incubation is 50-75 days.

Size. Adult Caretta caretta grow to lengths between 85-100 cm (34-40 in) making them the largest hard-shelled turtle species in the world. The largest loggerhead ever recorded measured 2.1 m (7 ft) in length and over 453 kg.

Map. Orange counties indicate new county records since previous Herps of Texas update in 1998; all other colored counties reflect known distribution prior to 1998 for species and/or subspecies. Map is based on museum voucher specimens.

Chelonia mydas

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Chelonia mydas

Common Name. Green Sea Turtle

General information. The Green Sea Turtle is diurnal, feeding during the morning and afternoon hours and spending the warmest portion of the day in deeper (cooler) water. Some populations are year-round residents near the nesting beaches, whereas others may migrate hundreds of kilometers from feeding grounds to reach the nesting beach area. Juvenile green seaturtles are primarily carnivorous, feeding on sponges, jellyfish, crabs, snails, and bivalves in addition to plant matter. Adults are primarily herbivorous, choosing sea grasses, and several different types of algae (red, green, brown) as well as those items listed for juveniles.

Protected status. The Green Sea Turtle is considered a threatened species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the green seaturtle to be a federally threatened species.

Diagnostic features. Broad, long heart-shaped carapace with four of pleural scutes (the first pair not in contact with 1st cervical scute) Posterior edge of carapace slightly serrated. Unhinged plastron that may have two longitudinal ridges that are lost with age. Four poreless inframarginals along bridge. Head with single pair of prefrontals and four postocular scales. Serrated cutting edge on lower jaw. Paddle-like front limbs with single claw.

Coloration. Carapace dark, from brown, olive or black, with mottled pattern Plastron yellow to white. Skin often brown, gray or black and is darker dorsally (with yellow or cream color ventrally). Head brown with scales bordered in yellow.

General distribution. In North America, the distribution of Chelonia mydas is restricted to the warmer oceanic waters, found along the Atlantic Coast from Massachusetts to Mexico. They are also found along the Pacific Coast south of Baja California.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the single subspecies of Chelonia mydas found in Texas, C. m. mydas, is only known from a handful of localities along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Habitat. The Green Sea Turtle feeds primarily in shallow waters but can migrate large distances over open seas. Most individuals are found in water less than 50m (167 ft) deep.

Reproduction. Nesting occurs March through October, but most nests are laid between May and September. Females may lay eggs once every two or three years, laying up to 7 clutches (each clutch averaging 100-120 eggs) during the year the actually nest. Incubation is 50-60 days.

Size. Average adult lengths of Chelonia mydas measure 105-130 cm (42-52 in).

Dermochelys coriacea

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Dermochelys coriacea

Common Name. Leatherback Sea Turtle

General information. Leatherback Sea Turtles are known for following floating schools of jellyfish, their favorite and primary food source. Much about their natural history and daily life cycle is unknown, however they can be found in cool waters, waters too cool for any other species of seaturtle.

Protected status. The Leatherback Sea Turtle is considered an endangered species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the leatherback seaturtle to be a federally endangered species.

Diagnostic features. Lyre-shaped, smooth carapace, with no horny scutes, tapers to point at rear. Carapace covered in leathery skin. Toothlike cusp on each side of jaw.

Coloration. Carapace black to brown Small scattered yellow or white blotches may be present on carapace. Head and neck black with blotches (yellow, white, pink). Limbs black with minor and small white spots.

General distribution. In North America, Dermochelys coriacea is found along the Atlantic Coast from Newfoundland to the southern Gulf Coast. They are also found along the Pacific Coast from southern Washington to Mexico.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Dermochelys coriacea has been found at several locations along the Gulf Coast.

Habitat. Primarily a pelagic species, Leatherback Sea Turtles are occasionally found in shallow waters and bays.

Reproduction. Nesting occurs March to July. Nesting is uncommonly reported from South Padre Island, Texas. Females average six clutches per year, but only laying eggs every two to three years. Clutch size ranges between 50-166 eggs. Incubation is 50-75 days.

Size. Dermochelys coriacea is the largest living turtle, reaching lengths in excess of 2.4 m (8 ft).

Eretmochelys imbricata

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Eretmochelys imbricata

Common Name. Hawksbill Sea Turtle

General information. A diurnal species, the Hawksbill Sea Turtle spends the day feeding and resting around coral reefs. This species is an omnivore, but with a major preference for sponges.

Protected status. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is considered an endangered species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the hawksbill seaturtle to be a federally endangered species.

Diagnostic features. Broad, long shield-shaped carapace with four pair of pleural scutes (the first pair not in contact with 1st cervical scute) Scutes are overlapping in juveniles. Keel present on last four vertebral scutes. Posterior edge of carapace serrated. Unhinged plastron that may have two longitudinal ridges that are lost with age in addition to dark blotches Four poreless inframarginals along bridge. Head with two pairs of prefrontals and four postocular scales. Snout, like raptor, is long and narrow (beak-like), without a notch. Paddle-like front limbs with two claws.

Coloration. Carapace dark green to brown; tortoise-shell pattern in juveniles Plastron yellow; bridge yellow. Skin often brown, gray or black and is darker dorsally (with yellow or cream color ventrally). Head black to brown with scales lighter towards their edge. Chin and throat yellow and neck dark.

General distribution. In North America, Eretmochelys imbricata is restricted to the warmer waters of the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, from southern California to Mexico, and southern New England to the Caribbean.

Texas distribution. In Texas, the single subspecies of Eretmochelys imbricata found in Texas, E. i. imbricata, is known from several localities along the Texas Gulf Coast.

Habitat. The Hawksbill Sea Turtle is frequently found around reefs and rocky habitats in shallow waters.

Reproduction. Nesting in hawksbill seaturtles peaks between May and July. Females may only lay eggs every two or three years, having up to four clutches during that year. Clutch size averages 160 eggs and incubation is 60-70 days.

Size. Eretmochelys imbricata reach adult lengths of 75-90 cm (30-36 in).

Lepidochelys kempii

Mon, 01 Jan 0001 00:00:00 +0000

Scientific name. Lepidochelys kempii

Common Name. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle

General information. Adult Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle are restricted to the warm waters of the Caribbean. Little is known about their daily behavior, but they are thought to be diurnal, spending their day alternating between feeding and resting. This species is carnivorous, feeding on crabs, shrimp, snails, bivalves, jellyfish as well as marine plants and algae.

Protected status. The Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle is considered an endangered species by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and is fully protected by the state. Additional protection has been afforded to this species as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service considers the Kemp's ridley seaturtle to be a federally endangered species.

Diagnostic features. Heart-shaped carapace with five pair of pleural scutes (the first pair in contact with 1st cervical scute) Mid-dorsal knobs present, decreasing in height with age. Posterior edge of carapace serrated. Unhinged plastron. Four inframarginals with pores along bridge. Head wide with two pairs of prefrontals. Short snout with hooked upper jaw. Paddle-like front limbs.

Coloration. Carapace dark green to gray Plastron and bridge white. Skin and head gray. Chin and throat yellow and neck dark.

General distribution. In North America, adults of Lepidochelys kempii are rarely found outside of the Caribbean; juveniles are known from many locations across the Atlantic.

Texas distribution. In Texas, Lepidochelys kempii has been spotted along the beaches of most of the Texas Gulf Coast.

Habitat. Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle prefers shallow waters (50 m or less); juvenile ridley seaturtles can be found in association with Sargassum (seaweed) mats.

Reproduction. Nesting occurs April to July. Females may lay eggs every year, or every two or three years. Clutch sizes average 100-110 and incubation is between 60-70 days.

Size. Lepidochelys kempii reaches a maximum carapace length of 75 cm (30 in).