Turtles | Testudines

Turtles and tortoises are members of the Testudines reptile family characterized by their hard shells that allow them to retract their head and limbs for protection. Turtles and tortoises are separable by the fact that tortoises are land-dwelling creatures while most turtle species are at least partly aquatic creatures. Most tortoises live 80-150 years, although this is a debated fact with the Aldabra giant tortoise rumored to be able to live 255 years. Tortoises are typically herbivores, but turtles will eat aquatic plants, insects, snails, and small fish. Both turtles and tortoises are cold-blooded and rely on their habitat to maintain a comfortable body temperature.

What do turtles eat?

What a turtle eats depends on their species, kind of jaw it has, and the food that is available in its habitat. Some species are carnivores and others are vegetarians, but most turtles are omnivores. For example, leatherback sea turtles eat mostly jellyfish while freshwater turtles eat worms, snails, crustaceans, water plants, algae, and fallen fruit.

How do turtles mate?

Turtles mate in the spring and early summer. Some male turtles fight for the right to mate with a female while others use a mating ritual. In order to mate, the male and female turtles interlace their tails so that their shell openings align together. The female turtle later makes a nest and lays the fertilized eggs to hatch.

How long do turtles live?

How long a turtle lives is determined by its species, but most turtles can live a few decades if they survive the first few years of life. Large turtle species and tortoises can live long lives of more than 100 years.

Turtles Guides
Browse through our curated Turtles Guides for additional categorizations, tips, details, variations, styles, and histories of Turtles. Guides provide additional insights into the unique properties and shared relationships between elements.
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10.2”-13” | 26-33 cm
18.5”-24.4” | 47-62 cm (Carapace)
22”-29” | 56-74 cm (Carapace)
176-251 lb | 80-114 kg
11-45 years (wild); 20-70 years (captivity)
Alligator Snapping Turtle
33.000
62.000
74.000
114.000
70.00
93700
GUIDE
3D
Alligator Snapping Turtle
1.4”-1.73” | 3.5-4.4 cm
2.36”-2.75” | 6-7 cm (Carapace)
3”-3.5” | 7.6-8.9 cm (Carapace)
.2-.24 lb | .09-.11 kg
20-30 years (wild); 40-60 years (captivity)
Bog Turtle
4.400
7.000
8.900
0.110
60.00
8350
GUIDE
3D
Bog Turtle
3.75”-7.1” | 9.5-18 cm
6.3”-11.4” | 16-29 cm (Carapace)
8”-14” | 20.3-35.6 cm (Carapace)
11-44 lb | 5-20 kg
30-45 years (wild); 30-70 years (captivity)
Common Snapping Turtle
18.000
29.000
35.600
20.000
70.00
198000
GUIDE
3D
Common Snapping Turtle
14.2”-17.3” | 36-44 cm
27.5”-33” | 70-84 cm (Carapace)
31”-37” | 79-94 cm (Carapace)
154-198 lb | 70-90 kg
40-60 years (wild); 50-100 years (captivity)
Flatback Sea Turtle
44.000
84.000
94.000
90.000
100.00
2150
GUIDE
3D
Flatback Sea Turtle
27.0”-36.0” | 69-91 cm
48.0”-60.0” | 122-152 cm
330-550 lb | 150-250 kg
100-150 (wild), 175 (captivity)
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
91.000
152.000
250.000
175.00
1100
GUIDE
3D
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
14.2”-18.9” | 36-48 cm
27.5”-36.2” | 70-92 cm (Carapace)
36”-48” | 91-122 cm (Carapace)
243-419 lb | 110-190 kg
60-75 years (wild); 80-120 years (captivity)
Green Sea Turtle
48.000
92.000
122.000
190.000
120.00
46700
GUIDE
3D
Green Sea Turtle
9.4”-15” | 24-38 cm
17.7”-27.2” | 45-69 cm (Carapace)
24”-36” | 61-91 cm (Carapace)
99-198 lb | 45-90 kg
30-45 years (wild); 30-60 years (captivity)
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
38.000
69.000
91.000
90.000
60.00
15400
GUIDE
3D
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
12.6”-18.1” | 32-46 cm
24”-33.5” | 61-85 cm (Carapace)
30”-42” | 76-107 cm (Carapace)
154-375 lb | 70-170 kg
45-60 years (wild); 50-77 years (captivity)
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
46.000
85.000
107.000
170.000
77.00
43000
GUIDE
3D
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Squirtle
105000
1’8” | 50.8 cm
19.8 lb | 9 kg
#007
Squirtle
50.800
9.000
7.00
105000
GUIDE
3D
Squirtle
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
Dimensioned size comparison drawing of a Galápagos Giant Tortoise compared to the size of an average person

The Galapagos Giant Tortoise, also referred to as the Galapagos tortoise, inhabits only two remote archipelagos: the Galapagos Islands 1000 km west of mainland Ecuador, and Aldabra in the Indian Ocean, 700 km east of Tanzania. They are the largest living species of tortoise, with tortoises on islands with humid highlands being larger with domed shells and short necks. Tortoises on islands with dry lowlands tend to be smaller. Distinguishing characteristics include a large bony shell of a dull brown or gray color that can hold its head, neck, and fore limbs when drawn back for protection. The Galapagos tortoise is an herbivore that consumes a diet of cacti, grasses, leaves, lichens, berries, oranges, and milkweed.

The typical Galápagos Giant Tortoise has an overall height of 27.0”-36.0” (69-91 cm) and body length of 48.0”-60.0” (122-152 cm). An average Galápagos Giant Tortoise weighs between 330-550 lb (150-250 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 100-150 (wild), 175 (captivity).

Series of elevation and plan illustrations of a Galápagos Giant Tortoise in various positions
The Galapagos Giant Tortoise is the largest living species of tortoise and inhabits only two remote archipelagos. Distinguishing characteristics include a large bony shell of a dull brown or gray color that can hold its head, neck, and fore limbs when drawn back for protection.

The typical Galápagos Giant Tortoise has an overall height of 27.0”-36.0” (69-91 cm) and body length of 48.0”-60.0” (122-152 cm). An average Galápagos Giant Tortoise weighs between 330-550 lb (150-250 kg) and has a typical lifespan of 100-150 (wild), 175 (captivity).

Series of elevation and plan illustrations of a Galápagos Giant Tortoise in various positions
Galápagos Giant Tortoise
Height:
27.0”-36.0” | 69-91 cm
Width:
Length:
48.0”-60.0” | 122-152 cm
Depth:
Weight:
330-550 lb | 150-250 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Chelonoidis nigra
Lifespan
100-150 (wild), 175 (captivity)

Drawings include:
Galápagos Giant Tortoise side elevation, side (person), side (walking), front, plan

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Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Flatback Sea Turtle to other turtles and a person

The name “flatback” in the Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus) comes from the shape of the carapace, which is usually more flat-domed and much thinner compared to other sea turtles. This smooth, flat shell is upturned at the edges. This turtle is endemic to the Australian continental shelf, preferring sandy beaches and shallow coastal waters. The body is olive-gray or gray, but the underside is cream. The rounded head as well is olive or gray. It is moderately sized, with females being larger than males. Besides, it also has a weak keratin layer on the scutes. The flatback sea turtle is carnivorous and long-lived.

The Flatback Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 31”-37” (79-94 cm), carapace width of 27.5”-33” (70-84 cm), body height of 14.2”-17.3” (36-44 cm), and weight in the range of 154-198 lb (70-90 kg). The typical lifespan of the Flatback Sea Turtle is between 40-60 years in the wild and 50-100 years in captivity.

Scaled collection of drawings of Flatback Sea Turtle in various poses
The name “flatback” in the Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus) comes from the shape of the carapace, which is usually more flat-domed and much thinner compared to other sea turtles. This smooth, flat shell is upturned at the edges. This turtle is endemic to the Australian continental shelf.

The Flatback Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 31”-37” (79-94 cm), carapace width of 27.5”-33” (70-84 cm), body height of 14.2”-17.3” (36-44 cm), and weight in the range of 154-198 lb (70-90 kg). The typical lifespan of the Flatback Sea Turtle is between 40-60 years in the wild and 50-100 years in captivity.

Scaled collection of drawings of Flatback Sea Turtle in various poses
Flatback Sea Turtle (Natator depressus)
Height:
14.2”-17.3” | 36-44 cm
Width:
27.5”-33” | 70-84 cm (Carapace)
Length:
31”-37” | 79-94 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
154-198 lb | 70-90 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Natator depressus
Lifespan
40-60 years (wild); 50-100 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Flatback Sea Turtle top view, side

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Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Alligator Snapping Turtle to other turtles and a person

Native to the freshwater areas of the southeastern United States, the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is distinguished as the largest freshwater turtle in North America and one of the largest in the world. Its name derives from both its strong jaw and its ridged shell resembling that of an alligator’s skin. Whereas the Common Snapping Turtle has a smoother shell surface, the Alligator Snapping Turtle has three rows of spikes along its carapace, or hard upper shell. Noted as a mostly carnivorous scavenger, it will feed on both live and dead organisms with a diet consisting mainly of fish.

The Alligator Snapping Turtle has a carapace length between 22”-29” (56-74 cm), carapace width of 18.5”-24.4” (47-62 cm), body height of 10.2”-13” (26-33 cm), and weight in the range of 176-251 lb (80-114 kg). The typical lifespan of the Alligator Snapping Turtle is between 11-45 years in the wild and 20-70 years in captivity.

Scaled collection of drawings of Alligator Snapping Turtle in various poses
Native to the freshwater areas of the southeastern United States, the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii) is distinguished as the largest freshwater turtle in North America and one of the largest in the world. Its name derives from both its strong jaw and its ridged shell.

The Alligator Snapping Turtle has a carapace length between 22”-29” (56-74 cm), carapace width of 18.5”-24.4” (47-62 cm), body height of 10.2”-13” (26-33 cm), and weight in the range of 176-251 lb (80-114 kg). The typical lifespan of the Alligator Snapping Turtle is between 11-45 years in the wild and 20-70 years in captivity.

Scaled collection of drawings of Alligator Snapping Turtle in various poses
Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii)
Height:
10.2”-13” | 26-33 cm
Width:
18.5”-24.4” | 47-62 cm (Carapace)
Length:
22”-29” | 56-74 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
176-251 lb | 80-114 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Macrochelys temminckii
Lifespan
11-45 years (wild); 20-70 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Alligator Snapping Turtle top view, side

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Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Size comparison drawing of the Green Sea Turtle compared to other turtles and a person

The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the largest species of sea turtle in the world with a habitat range in both tropical and subtropical waters, distinct in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its common name is derived from the color of its skin rather than its shell, which is olive-brown. Aside from its color, the Green Sea Turtle is distinguished by its heart-shaped shell and its paddle-like flippers that make for smooth swimming. Much like other sea turtles, it will travel lengthy distances to find sites to feed as well as to lay eggs.

The Green Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 36”-48” (91-122 cm), carapace width of 27.5”-36.2” (70-92 cm), body height of 14.2”-18.9” (36-48 cm), and weight in the range of 243-419 lb (110-190 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Sea Turtle is between 60-75 years in the wild and 80-120 years in captivity.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Green Sea Turtle
The Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas) is one of the largest species of sea turtle in the world with a habitat range in both tropical and subtropical waters, distinct in both Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Its common name is derived from the color of its skin rather than its shell.

The Green Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 36”-48” (91-122 cm), carapace width of 27.5”-36.2” (70-92 cm), body height of 14.2”-18.9” (36-48 cm), and weight in the range of 243-419 lb (110-190 kg). The typical lifespan of the Green Sea Turtle is between 60-75 years in the wild and 80-120 years in captivity.

Set of scaled top and elevation drawings of the Green Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle (Chelonia mydas)
Height:
14.2”-18.9” | 36-48 cm
Width:
27.5”-36.2” | 70-92 cm (Carapace)
Length:
36”-48” | 91-122 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
243-419 lb | 110-190 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Chelonia mydas
Lifespan
60-75 years (wild); 80-120 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Green Sea Turtle top view, side

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Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Comparison illustration of the size of a Loggerhead Sea Turtle to other turtles and a person

Known as the largest of the hard-shelled turtles, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is an oceanic turtle with a broad habitat range with populations found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Within this large distribution, it prefers to dwell in shallow, open waters of coastlines and will travel far to reach these desired habitats. The Loggerhead Sea Turtle is omnivorous and considered a keystone species due to its diet, providing food for other animals at the bottom of the ocean through its expelled waste. Its size also makes it the second largest existing turtle following the Leatherback Sea Turtle.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 30”-42” (76-107 cm), carapace width of 24”-33.5” (61-85 cm), body height of 12.6”-18.1” (32-46 cm), and weight in the range of 154-375 lb (70-170 kg). The typical lifespan of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is between 45-60 years in the wild and 50-77 years in captivity.

Scaled collection of drawings of Loggerhead Sea Turtle in various poses
Known as the largest of the hard-shelled turtles, the Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta) is an oceanic turtle with a broad habitat range with populations found in the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. Within this large distribution, it prefers to dwell in shallow open waters of coastlines.

The Loggerhead Sea Turtle has a carapace length between 30”-42” (76-107 cm), carapace width of 24”-33.5” (61-85 cm), body height of 12.6”-18.1” (32-46 cm), and weight in the range of 154-375 lb (70-170 kg). The typical lifespan of the Loggerhead Sea Turtle is between 45-60 years in the wild and 50-77 years in captivity.

Scaled collection of drawings of Loggerhead Sea Turtle in various poses
Loggerhead Sea Turtle (Caretta caretta)
Height:
12.6”-18.1” | 32-46 cm
Width:
24”-33.5” | 61-85 cm (Carapace)
Length:
30”-42” | 76-107 cm (Carapace)
Depth:
Weight:
154-375 lb | 70-170 kg
Area:
Scientific Name
Caretta caretta
Lifespan
45-60 years (wild); 50-77 years (captivity)

Drawings include:

Loggerhead Sea Turtle top view, side

Details & Downloads

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