• Corpus ID: 52248372

The Reproductive Biology of the Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys Terrapin Tequesta

@inproceedings{Seigel1979TheRB,
  title={The Reproductive Biology of the Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys Terrapin Tequesta},
  author={Richard A. Seigel},
  year={1979}
}

• R. Seigel
• Published 1979
• Environmental Science

The reproductive biology of the Florida east coast terrapin, }!alaclemys terrapin tequesta was studied during 1977-1978 at the Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge, Brevard County, Florida. Mating occurred in small canals and ditches during late March and April. Terrapins exhibited a poorly developed courtship behavior system: this \vas attributed to the relative isolation of the species due to its brackish water habitat. Nesting occurred on dike roads, rather than on sand dunes as reported for other races of ~1alaclemys. Air temperature was the most important factor controlling nesting activity. One to three clutches y,rere laid each year. Halaclemys appeared to exhibit a clinal vDriation in clutch size bet\veen northern and southern populations. Reduced clutch size in the south is explained by a relative increase in egg and hatchling size, possibly resulting in greater survivorship of offspring in southern populations. Adult females nesting on dike roads are subject to severe predation from raccoons.