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The Nonindigenous Occurrences section of the NAS species profiles has a new structure. The section is now dynamically updated from the NAS database to ensure that it contains the most current and accurate information. Occurrences are summarized in Table 1, alphabetically by state, with years of earliest and most recent observations, and the tally and names of drainages where the species was observed. The table contains hyperlinks to collections tables of specimens based on the states, years, and drainages selected. References to specimens that were not obtained through sighting reports and personal communications are found through the hyperlink in the Table 1 caption or through the individual specimens linked in the collections tables.

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Common name: Diamond-backed Terrapin

Taxonomy: available through www.itis.gov

Native Range: Along the Gulf and Atlantic coasts from Texas to Florida and north to Massachusetts (Ernst et al., 1994).

Alaska	Hawaii	Puerto Rico & Virgin Islands	Guam Saipan

Hydrologic Unit Codes (HUCs) Explained
Interactive maps: Point Distribution Maps

Means of Introduction: Stocked in Massachusetts at Scusset Marshes in Sandwich and the Slocum River in Dartmouth. Unknown in other locations.

Status: Reported in Massachusetts and Pennsylvania.

Impact of Introduction: No impacts are reported.

Remarks: Terrapins may be sold illegally as food in Chinatown, Boston (Cardoza et al., 1993). Terrapin mortality most commonly stems from being caught in crab pots (Ernst et al., 1994).

Habitat: Coastal salt marshes, tidal creeks and estuaries (Ernst et al., 1994). Life History: During April to July, nests containing up to 18 eggs are excavated in dunes and shoreline soil, often proximal to vegetation (Ernst et al., 1994).

Scientific and standard English names follow Crother (2008).

References: (click for full references)

Babcock, H. L. 1926. The diamond-back terrapin in Massachusetts. Copeia. 150: 101-104.

Benavides, G., D. Renoud, and K. Wasson. 2002. Least wanted aquatic invaders: Diamond-back Terrapin (Malaclemys terrapin). The Elkhourn Souugh [online]

Conant, R. and J. T. Collins. 1998. A field guide to reptiles and amphibians. Eastern and Central North America. Third Edition, Expanded. Houghton and Mifflin Co. Boston.

Crother, B.I. (chair). Committee on Standard and English and Scientific Names. 2008. Scientific and standard English names of amphibians and reptiles of North America north of Mexico, with comments regarding confidence in our understanding. Society for the Study of Amphibians and  Reptiles Herpetological Circular. No. 37. iii + 86p.

Ernst, C. H., J. E. Lovich, and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, Washington and London.

McCoy, C. J. 1982. Amphibians and Reptiles in Pennsylvania: Checklist, bibliography, and atlas of distribution. Special puplication of Carnegie Museum of Natural History. Volume 6. Carnegie Museum of Natural History, Pittsburgh.

Author: McKercher, E.

This information is preliminary or provisional and is subject to revision. It is being provided to meet the need for timely best science. The information has not received final approval by the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) and is provided on the condition that neither the USGS nor the U.S. Government shall be held liable for any damages resulting from the authorized or unauthorized use of the information.