Tortoises, Turtles, and Terrapins, what are they? And what is the difference between tortoises terrapins and turtles? Well, some may think they are all the same animal, which at a quick glance may appear so, but in fact, they are completely different animals. They all, however, belong to the same Order of Testudines. This classifies them together as they all have a unique shell built into their skeleton which provides protection from physical harm. Their main difference is their habitat either land, sea or freshwater, and I will briefly explain some of the other differences. Let’s start off with what you may see here at Londolozi – the tortoise and terrapin.
We get two types of tortoises here, the leopard tortoise (as seen in the photo) which is most common, and the Specks hinged tortoise which has a flexible hinge toward the rear end of the carapace that allows for the back of the shell to close off.
What is the difference between tortoises, turtles and terrapins?
The tortoise
Tortoises are terrestrial animals and are often seen during the summer months. They can be easily identified by their domed shell (known as a carapace) which acts as protection and can be covered in horny shields. When threatened they will withdraw their heads directly back into the shell completely shielded by their legs. Because they require to carry themselves on land their legs are well developed, and their feet have claws. They have a vegetarian diet.
A pair of mating Speke’s Hinge-back Tortoise. They are distinguished from the leopard tortoise as their carapace is less domed.
The Terrapin
The terrapin is often seen when driving past a waterhole or even a large mud wallow, as they live in freshwater, unlike the turtle that lives in saltwater. Due to this aquatic lifestyle, they have webbed feet with claws which enables them to move through the water with ease. The shell of a terrapin is much flatter than the tortoise (this will mean they are more streamlined in the water) and does not have a pattern. Unlike their cousins, they are only able to retract their heads sideways and not straight back into their shells. When it comes to feeding they are omnivores which means they will eat aquatic plant material as well as aquatic insects, tadpoles, frogs, crabs and even feed off carrion, whereas the tortoise is a herbivore.
A terrapin withdrawing its head sideways into its shell.
The Turtle
Unfortunately, we do not see turtles here at Londolozi as they are only found off the coast of South Africa as they live in the sea. They are like the terrapin and can often be confused, but they have flippers instead webbed feet to propel them through the ocean and feed mainly on squid making them carnivores. Their shell is also flattened, and their head can be withdrawn vertically but not completely hidden.
A loggerhead turtle found in South African waters
So next time you are here at Londolozi and see one of the shelled creatures, see if you can try to identify which family they belong to.
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Tayla your story is well explained with beautiful foto’s to show the difference between the tortoises, terrapin and turtle. I love the tortoises and always try and look out for them while driving in the game parks.
Thanks for the interesting blog on tortoises a.s.o, Tayla
Tayla, thank you for continuing my education on the wildlife at Londolozi and the world.
A really interesting blog Twyla and some nice pics. Thanks for sharing with us.
Good job Tayla! A simple but very helpful explanation which will help us on our next trip to Londolozi, Galapagos or the ocean!
Thank you for the explanation. I would really appreciate it if you or someone there at Londolozi could explain the differences between cranes, herons, and storks in the near future.
Hi Stephen, we are in the process of putting together a blog on Herons, Storks and Cranes. It will probably be published sometime in May.
Thanks Tayla for your concise and informative blog explaining the differences between these unique animals. You’ve made it easy to understand the difference between a tortoise and a turtle, pointing out that one is a sea water dweller and the other land.
I hadn’t realized terrapins were omnivores and that they can’t retract their head into their shell. You all do a great job of educating your readers!
I always learn something from the daily posts! I am not very sure I have ever seen a terrapin at Londolozi! I look forward to finding one! Victorua
Great blog. I am so lucky as to see both sea turtle and terrestrial tortoise, they are very important creatures especially in the sea. Their lack cause a jellyfish overgrowth and sea life desertification. Thank you
Very interesting Tayla! Thank you for the descriptions and the wonderful photos.
HI Tatla,
But what of the Eastern Box Tutle in the USA? It has the carapace of the tortoise, but it is also carnivorous. It prefers drier conditions, but will go hunting in moist leaf foliage for newts, worms and other bugs. And, it does not mind going across stream to get ot the other side. Is it a tortoise or a turtle?