Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines , characterised by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs that acts as a shield. The upper shell of the turtle is called the carapace. The lower shell that encases the belly is called the plastron. In most turtles, the outer layer of the shell is covered by horny scales called scutes that are part of its outer skin. The earliest known turtles date from 215 million years ago, making turtles one of the oldest reptile groups and a more ancient group than lizards, snakes and crocodiles. Like other reptiles, turtles are ectotherms - their internal temperature varies according to the ambient environment, they breathe air and do not lay eggs underwater, although many species live in or around water. The largest turtles are aquatic. Here you may post messages or questions pertaining to all aspects and issues regarding the keeping, breeding, health, and conservation of species and subspecies of Turtles.
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