Black tortoise with yellow spots. Where do turtles live. Star or Indian

If you are lucky enough to meet a turtle with yellow spots on its body near the reservoirs, this is the European marsh turtle. She is one of 2 attorneys of the swamp family, and yellow spots on the body of a turtle are her distinctive features.

This exotic for our geographical area A trusted reptile animal, lives, like other modern turtles, in the form that has been preserved approximately unchanged since the time of the dinosaurs.

The fact that over such a long period, these beasts were actually preserved in former form, emphasizes their great adaptability and unimaginable biology.

The European marsh turtle is a reptile from the freshwater family that lives in Russia, Belarus, Ukraine, Western Asia, and also in Europe, with the exception of its northern part: Scandinavia, Great Britain, the Benelux countries, northern France and Estonia. It also lives in northern Africa.

Name synonyms: Testudo europaea (Schneider, 1783), Testudo orbicularis (Linnaeus, 1758).

Foreign names:

• Latin name: Emys orbicularis;
• English: European Pond Turtle;
• German: Europ?ische Sumpfschildkr?te;
• Czech: ?elva bahenn?;
• French: Cistude d'Europe;
• Spanish: Gal?pago europeo.

External differences of the European marsh turtle

• The shell of this turtle is smoothed, covered with small yellow dots and spots. The back is chestnut with small yellow spots. More huge yellow spots are located on the abdomen. They may also cover the head and legs. But occasionally this pronounced sign is absent;
• The skin is black, has countless yellow spots of various sizes, occasionally merging with each other. Occasionally, the skin becomes completely yellow. The location of these yellow spots has an incorrect character, which is certainly different in every animal, like fingerprints in a person;
• Eyes - the iris in females is pale yellow, while in males it has an orange or approximately reddish tint;
• Dimensions - there are sex differences in size associated with the physiology of reproduction, males are slightly smaller than females and have a concave lower part of the body (plastron), in the female it is rather flat. Also, females and males are characterized by differences in the size of the tail. Males have a much longer and more bulky tail. The upper part of the shell shell in both sexes is very similar, slightly convex, often richly covered with algae. The common attorney of this species has a carapace length of about 20 cm in females and 17 cm in males.

Eyelids are opaque, elastic. The tail is 1/3 of the length of the shell. The head can be retracted and hidden in the shell.

Lifestyle and behavior

The European marsh turtle can live for over 120 years in the wild. These species of turtles spend a large part of their lives in close proximity to water bodies, only females come out to land and lay eggs. The turtle hunts in the water, it lives mainly in this environment. In the water, it moves smoothly, clumsily and slowly.

Active during the day, lives in stagnant or slowly moving water bodies with a muddy bottom (small, overgrown lakes, forest ponds, swamps, densely overgrown and inaccessible ponds, huge rivers with dense vegetation).

She spends most of her time in the water, but she breathes. atmospheric air. Under water can be up to one hour. The beast is hefty shy and circumspect, therefore it is difficult to meet him. IN quiet places loves to get out of the water and soak up the sun. european tortoise with yellow spots on the body, it hibernates in mud, at the bottom of reservoirs for about 6-7 months (usually from October to March).

Males are hefty hostile towards each other, exclusively during the mating season.

This species easily tolerates drought and is resistant to low temperatures; it loses its motor activity only at temperatures of 2-3 ° C.

Feeds on insects, snails, tadpoles, occasionally eats amphibians and fish. The main food for turtles is insect larvae, invertebrates and various amphibians, fish fry, occasionally they feed on carrion.

These animals feed around the clock, however, they are extremely energetic at dusk and sometimes at night. They capture their prey with their jaws and tear with their claws. During the day, on clear days, they rest and bask in the sun.

How do representatives of this species reproduce?

Turtles wake up hibernation in early spring and become energetic in late March or early April, depending on the weather. The mating period takes place in the water and begins in April, because the animals are hefty resistant to low temperatures.

Shortly after awakening, individuals walk in the shallow parts of lakes and reservoirs. Mating is very colorful and energetic. There have been cases of mutilation during mating games.

After the mating season is over, the males remain in their former territories, while the females set off on a hike in late May and early June to the nesting sites where they will be for many years. Reservoirs located at a short distance from nesting sites are a wonderful refuge for newly hatched cubs.

After concluding their journey from the breeding site to the nesting site, the females lay their eggs. The female lays her eggs in July in a hole in the ground, which she digs with her hind legs. The eggs have thin shells, their dimensions reach 2x3 cm. One female has an average of 6 to 16 eggs (occasionally their number reaches 20).

The eggs do not remain in direct clear rays, but burrow into the ground to a depth of several centimeters, where, under favorable temperature conditions, they are incubated for approximately 100 days.

The most important for the positive development of the embryo are high temperatures in June and July. Turtles in their eggs, like other reptiles, undergo a thermal sex determination process. Yes, in warm summer days hatches larger than females, and in cold weather - males.

When temperatures are low, turtles are able to overwinter in their eggs until spring. If the summer is cool, then turtles do not hatch, this happens more often on the northern borders of the natural range of this species.

Under typical conditions, in late autumn, small tortoises 2.5 cm long, which have a soft shell, hatch from eggs. They emerge from their earthen burrows only in spring.

After the young turtles leave the nest, they head into the water. During this trip, the cubs are vulnerable to attacks from all kinds of terrestrial predators. Only after 10 years of life does their shell become so huge and strong that turtles can feel relatively safe. Juveniles reach sexual maturity in about 7 years.

Depending on the weather conditions The spotted turtle leads an energetic lifestyle from March or April to October. Turtles go into hibernation in autumn.

Bog turtles in each Europe are under state protection, have the rank of unconditional protection. Trapping and hunting them is strictly prohibited.

Many animals live in glass containers: turtles, fish, lizards and crustaceans. Home terrariums usually contain a terrestrial species of turtles from which freshwater and land animals emerge.

Reptiles with swimming limbs with membranes. Most aquatic turtle species inhabit water bodies with little water movement. Mobile carnivorous reptiles, but there are also herbivorous species.

red-eared

The turtle is brown-green. Also called. It lives in shallow ponds in Mexico, South and Central America and Africa. The name was given because of the red spots in the area of ​​​​the ears, there are species with bright yellow spots. Rich green stripes are located on the head and paws. Juveniles are less intensely colored than mature ones. The carapace (upper part of the shell) of females is up to 30 cm, in males - up to 15 cm, there are claws. The diet of young individuals is dominated by animal food. Sedentary and non-conflict pets.

Trionix Chinese or Far East

Turtles up to 20 cm in size with a soft leather shell. The nose is oblong in the form of a trunk. These three-toed inhabitants of Asian reservoirs are very mobile and aggressive. They can injure a person with sharp plates located on their jaws. To keep these predators and at home, they acquire a newborn individual. was included in the Red Book and banned for sale. Caught by smugglers and delivered to stores.

Caspian

Omnivorous turtles with a flat oval shell up to 30 cm in length. The color consists of alternating yellow and green stripes. Individuals like salty or fresh water with a temperature of 18-22 degrees and a large number of vegetation near the pond. Found in Southern Europe and Central Asia. In nature, climb high into the mountains. Live for 30 years. In this species of freshwater turtle, sexual differences are clearly visible: the tail of males is more powerful and longer, the carapace is concave.

Silt bighead

Aquarium turtles with a small shell up to 18 cm and disproportionately big body. Having a harmless appearance, reptiles are able to injure with false teeth. Come from Northern and South America. They live in shallow streams and swamps with abundant vegetation. For keeping at home, a capacity of 60-100 liters is suitable. They eat animal food and dry food.

European marsh

Dark green turtles up to 35 cm. The body is covered with light spots. Large and long tail, webbed paws and sharp claws. Reptiles live near lakes and ponds. listed in the Red Book. Contained at an air temperature of about 30 degrees.

Types of small

According to scientific classification, small turtles are considered freshwater species, the average size of which does not exceed 13 cm. A terrarium with a capacity of 100 liters is suitable for pets.

Three-keel

Small reptiles up to 13 cm. Color from reddish-brown to black, carapace with three keels. Unpretentious in care, an aquarium up to 100 liters is suitable. They inhabit the countries of South Asia, in the forests they lead a completely land-based lifestyle. Omnivorous, eating fruits and vegetables, not averse to eating fish. In some countries banned for home keeping.

Musk

Turtles are so named because of the musk glands under their shells. The length of the oval carapace is 7–13 cm. There are light blotches on the dark head and carapace. Young turtles are distinguished by three longitudinal ridges on the carapace, which disappear over the years. They feed on molluscs, insects, small fish. Range: Canada to South America. IN natural environment are water hygienists. Turtles swim well, the terrarium should have an island and a pond.

spotted

Amphibious pets up to 12 cm in length. Carapace black, without projections. Light yellow spots are evenly distributed on the shell, head and limbs. And also there are color variations with orange and reddish patches. They live at room temperature. For convenience, place shelters in a glass container, and in a pond - aquatic plants. The turtle is diurnal. Type of food - insectivorous. Juveniles eat exclusively animal food. Plants are rarely eaten. In nature, they live in swampy and wet areas.

Pond Reeves

Turtle with a shell length of 13 cm. The carapace is painted in brown tones. There is an olive, gray-green and black body color, there are yellow stripes. Females are lighter than males, the tail is shorter. Temperature not lower than 22 degrees is allowed. Turtles are known to survive freezing temperatures.

Closing

Domestic turtles are endowed with a feature: in case of danger, the gap between the plastron and the carapace closes. The genus of closing consists of the following species:

1. reddish mud turtle;
2. silty red-cheeked;
3. silt yellowmouth;
4. musky ordinary;
5. musk keel.

flat

The carapace of these 9 cm turtles is slightly extended forward, has a slight bulge. Color from olive to brown depending on the breed. On the forelimbs there are scales and 4 or 5 fingers. The muzzle is oblong. Females are larger than males. Carnivorous species, eats fish, mice and shrimp.

Types of land

Central Asian

Popular pet species. At home, they grow up to 10-18 cm. Turtles have a light shell with dark shields, four-fingered limbs. Swimming is possible once a week. They do not like to be disturbed, they prefer peace and regularity. Provide the animals with 30 degree air and sandy soil in which they can dig.

Star or Indian

beautiful pets with unusual shape shell. The scutes are convex, slightly pointed with a catchy pattern in the form of stars. The shell is dark, the pattern is yellow. Turtles are medium in size, females reach 25 cm, males - 15 cm. The varieties that live in Sri Lanka and South India have 5-7 rays in color. Individuals from the north of India have 7–9 thin "star" rays. They eat plant foods.

mediterranean

The color and preferences in the content are different for subspecies. The color is monophonic or dark with yellow splashes. On the front paws of domestic turtles, 5 fingers each, hind limbs with spurs. On the back of the thigh there is a tubercle of horny tissue. Sizes up to 35 cm.

Egyptian

The size of the shell reaches 12 cm, females are smaller than males. Sand color with black spots. The content is whimsical, susceptible to disease. Herbivorous, in nature they feed on plants of the genus Artemisia. Calcium and D3 are added to the diet. The opportunity to determine the sex of this species is provided at 15 years. They are kept in groups of their own species in a spacious tank.

Balkan

Carapace size up to 20 cm. outward signs recalls mediterranean tortoise. The shell is light brown with a dark pattern. Over the years, the color fades to a yellowish-gray. The tail has a horny tip. They feed on peas, beans, clover and fruits. Supplement the diet with slugs and snails. Mobile pets are especially active in the warm season.

Conclusion

Some species of domestic turtles are small and relatively unpretentious. Even for such animals, you will need a spacious and long aquaterrarium, an ultraviolet lamp and a water filter. Approach the content of the domestic turtle responsibly, and then it will delight you with the opportunity to observe it for a long time.

Choosing pet, many people seriously think about the turtle: harmless, problem-free, original, not expensive. At first glance, care does not require much effort, and nutrition is not extravagant. Is it really? Does the European bog turtle really do not require attention and care?

Who is she, this representative of reptiles?

The description of this species, ancient in origin, should begin with the fact that Russia is the homeland, or rather, parts of its wetlands, of which there are so many around. tropical and temperate climate, high humidity, warmth and peace - this is what is needed for her life in nature.

Today we are talking about the domestication of individuals and even the possibility of taming them and the development of conditioned reflexes:

• recognition of the one who feeds,
• developing habits,
• reaction to the voice of the owner, and, possibly, to his smell,
• display of friendliness to people and other animals.

And all this is not a myth.

About the features of the structure

Paws, tail, head - as in the famous cartoon. Plus - reliable, strong protection for all this in the form of a shell. The European bog turtle is distinguished primarily by its brownish-olive shell (usually with yellow spots) with the number of rings, symbolizing its age, relatively long tail(up to 10 cm in adults), well-developed hind legs with strong claws. Paws and tail are the main organs that provide movement, including swimming. Between the fingers there are small membranes that allow you to row in water and swim faster than move on land.

The eyes of the male have a red tint, the female has a yellowish tint. The eyes are located on the sides of the head and directed downward.

The skin of the calf is strong, but vulnerable.

Character can be summed up in one word: predator. The need to independently obtain food for themselves in nature led to the presence of appropriate formations in individuals: teeth and claws, from which the one who cares can sometimes suffer. Moreover, such a girlfriend bites painfully, and after scratches, skin problems will remain for a long time.

The shell consists of a carapace (upper dark part) and a plastron (light bottom, popularly referred to as the abdomen). The bottom of the shell is yellowish, on which there may be one dark spot or several. This is a reliable shelter from enemies, a place of protection from drought, a way to relax "away from everyone."

What to feed?

The turtle eats a little and infrequently. Adults are generally recommended to be fed every other day or every three days. Young people, in whose body the processes of growth and development take place, need a daily meal. The predatory nature determines its need for meat, fish, mineral salts, and vitamins. However, plant foods are no less valuable, including fresh vegetables and greens. It is a source of many irreplaceable biological substances.

To strengthen the shell, calcium is needed, which can be replenished by eating small fish whole with bones, or maybe as part of special synthetic feeds.

We need minced meat, ground fish components, bloodworms, insects, worms, squids, snails and similar biological structures. Animal protein required.

He will appreciate finely chopped young leaves of dandelion or clover, although he will not disdain aquarium vegetation. However, there is an opinion that feeding plant food better than older ones.

She eats often, almost having time to swallow a lump of food lowered into the water before it pollutes the water. When eating, she tries to swallow everything quickly, which is why the possibility of stones getting into her intestines is not excluded.

How to create optimal conditions for life?

A high water level in the aquarium is not needed. Enough 10-15 cm (depending on the size of the individuals). The soil at the bottom can be anything, but not consist of pebbles that can be swallowed.

It is necessary to equip the exit from the water to a special platform located under an artificial lighting lamp. It is here that the European bog turtle will take air baths and bask under the warm rays.

The ultraviolet irradiator has a beneficial effect. Thanks to it, the absorption of calcium improves (for the strength of the shell) and the air is effectively warmed.

In general, the water temperature in the aquarium should not rise above 27 and fall below 23 o. But aeration is not so important, since the lungs of such inhabitants are filled with oxygen from atmospheric air.

The company also needs to pay attention. Some aquarists stop at the decision not to populate the turtle house with other inhabitants. The specifics of their living conditions are rarely favorable for big fish. However, those who like to experiment will like an ensemble in which a turtle with yellow spots against a background of bright green vegetation flirts with red swordtails.

About the features of reproduction

Starting from the month of May, these interesting inhabitants aquarium, reproduction of offspring begins. Until July, the female produces up to three clutches of eggs, 5-12 pieces each. To do this, she uses small depressions in wet sand. The eggs are smooth, up to 3 cm in size and weighing within 8 g. After a period of 2-3 months, little turtles hatch, which feed on the contents of the yolk sac during their first winter and are in the ground.

But with the first rays of a confident spring sun, as soon as the air warms up to 22-23 o, the cubs go free and begin an independent life.

At home, you can try to recreate similar conditions by equipping a container with warm, moist soil on an artificial shore, or by planting a turtle while laying eggs in another aquarium. As the process is completed, independent and careful care of the laid eggs, their uniform heating, and prevention of drying out and damage are necessary.

An aquaterrarium is an original and fascinating home decoration. However, do not think that it exists independently. Beauty and well-being in it will provide proper care, accuracy and following the recommendations of experienced aquarists. Who doesn't like constantly uprooted plants floating on the surface, often cloudy water and inverted artificial jewelry, you should not torture yourself.

Those for whom the marsh turtle has become a friend are sure that it will always respond to love, care and affection. And those moments when, at the approach of the owner or turning on the light, she stretches her head and turns towards her hand, will delight and amuse everyone around her.

Post Views: 2 720

Turtle is one of the ancient animals on the plane from the class of reptiles. Representatives of these reptiles are divided into two large detachment: land and sea. At the same time, terrestrial ones are still divided into freshwater and land. Reptiles are tied to the conditions of their habitat, because their body is not as good as that of mammals and birds, the mechanisms that support constant temperature. Where do turtles live in conditions wildlife? Their range is almost all over the Earth, on land and under water, in the temperate and tropical climate zone.

Turtles and nature

Sea turtles live in the warm waters of the seas and oceans, very rarely swimming to cold streams.

This suborder includes two families: Dermochelyide (consists of only one leatherback turtle) and Cheloniidae (includes five species). to the usual sea ​​turtles relate:

• The olive turtle lives in the waters of the Indian and Pacific Ocean off the coast of Africa, India, Australia, Japan, up to Brazil and Venezuela;
• The Atlantic ridley prefers shallow water up to fifty meters with a silty or sandy bottom of the Gulf of Mexico, the English Channel, on the European coast of the Atlantic;
• The loggerhead is common in the warm part of the Atlantic, Pacific and indian ocean, swimming in the Mediterranean Sea;
• Bissa is found in southern Africa, in the region of Great Britain, the Black, Mediterranean and Sea of ​​Japan;
• The green turtle is found in the waters of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

Where do they live land turtles? Most often these are open spaces, but some species also live in tropical forests. The most suitable climate for representatives of this family is Southern Europe, New World, Africa, Asia.

Freshwater turtles - big family this class. They are distributed on almost all continents, with the exception of Australia, Antarctica and the northern part of Eurasia. Such reptiles live in various water bodies, often non-freezing for the winter and with a weak current.

Representatives of each species of freshwater reptiles, as a rule, have their own area of ​​\u200b\u200bresidence. For example, roof turtles prefer Pakistan and India. Batagur happens on the Indochinese peninsula, as well as on Sumatra. In the basins of the Brahmaputra, Indus and Ganges, you can find a diadem tortoise. From the southeastern part of Mexico to Ecuador, a magnificent tortoise has been observed. From Southern Canada to Florida, the home of the painted Testudines.

Where do they live in nature? This quite common species lives in the northeast of Mexico and the eastern states of the United States. Approximately in the same area, the genus Graptemys is distributed. And here Western Europe, Turkey, Northwest Africa, Iran and the Caucasus are home to Emys orbicularis.

As can be seen only in a few examples, the answer to the question "where do turtles live in nature" will be "in the waters of the oceans, fresh warm lakes, ponds and backwaters, steppes and forests in a tropical climate."

Testudines in captivity

Where do turtles live at home? The main capacity is an aquarium, aquaterrarium or terrarium.

It is very important to choose the right ratio of air temperature, humidity, volume of water and amount of land, depending on the type of reptile. Otherwise, the slider will wither without liquid, and the Central Asian tortoise will freeze without good heating.

The tortoise is an animal of the chordate type, reptile class, order of the turtle (Testudines). These animals have existed on planet Earth for over 220 million years.

The turtle received its Latin name from the word "testa", meaning "brick", "tile" or "clay vessel". The Russian analogue comes from the Proto-Slavic word čerpaxa, which in turn comes from the modified Old Slavic word "čerpъ", "shard".

The laying of the turtle is covered with soil from above and compacted by blows of the plastron.

Depending on the species, the number of eggs laid can be from 1 to 200. Duration incubation period varies from 2 to 3 months, but in some species this period can reach six months or more.

During the mating season, the female turtle is able to make several clutches.

By way of life, turtles are solitary animals and find a mate only for the mating period, although some species tend to gather in small groups for wintering.

How to care for a turtle at home?

Keeping turtles at home, both land and water, is very popular today. These animals are unpretentious, and caring for turtles is very simple, so even children can follow the pets. However, should not be chosen as pets large species turtles that can reach over half a meter in length. For a comfortable stay of reptiles in an apartment, specially equipped aquariums, terrariums or enclosures for turtles are designed, in which conditions are created that are as close as possible to their natural habitat.

The hygiene of aquatic inhabitants consists in the removal of algae that has grown on the shell. Land reptiles need to be bathed daily in warm water with addition baking soda, washing off the remains of food and adhering soil. Overgrown turtle claws must be shortened with a small nail file. IN winter period pets need to be periodically irradiated with the rays of a quartz lamp, making a kind of sunbathing. It is necessary to ensure that the light does not fall directly into the eyes of the animal.

About feeding turtles at home is described in detail a little higher.

If the rules for caring for animals at home are observed, turtles can live up to 170 years.

• Sex of offspring is determined by temperature environment during the incubation period. At low temperatures there are males, and at higher - females.
• Turtles became the first creatures to fly around the moon aboard a research probe launched by Soviet Union in 1968, and returned safely. This happened a few months before the Apollo 8 mission.
• In 2013, the employees of the museum of the Dnepropetrovsk Agrarian University were shocked by an unprecedented incident. From several turtle eggs exhibited, which long years lay on the shelves, full-fledged offspring hatched.
• The image of a turtle is present in the heraldry of some states.
• Unlike other reptiles, turtles are practically incapable of causing significant harm to humans. However, during mating season male caiman turtles may mistake a person for a rival and attack him. And male leatherback turtles can confuse a swimmer with a female, clasp him with flippers and carry him into the depths.
• Turtle meat is a delicacy product that can be consumed both without heat treatment and fried or boiled.
• Expensive accessories are cut out of the shell of turtles, which are used to decorate women's hair.