Difference between Tortoise, Terrapin and Turtle | Reptiles

The upcoming discussion will update you about the difference between tortoise, terrapin and turtle.

Difference # Tortoise:

1. Shape of the shell:

The shape of the shell is ovoid and covered with horny scutes.

2. Limbs:

Limbs end in clawed digits. No web. The limbs are short and club-shaped.

3. Whether head and limbs can be withdrawn or not:

Head and limbs can be completely with­drawn inside the shell.

4. Habitat:

Terrestrial or fresh­water.

5. Mode of feeding:

Herbivorous or carnivorous, e.g., Ceochelone elegans, (Star tortoise); Indotestudo elongata, (Red-nosed tortoise), Testudo gracea, (common European tortoise).

Difference # Terrapin:

1. Shaped of the shell:

The shell is almost circular and covered with soft skin.

2. Limbs:

Limbs are webbed with some digits bearing claws.

3. Whether head and limbs can be withdrawn or not:

Head and limbs can be completely with-drawn under the shell.

4. Habitat:

Freshwater.

5. Mode of feeding:

Carnivorous e.g., Lissemys punctata (Indian flap shell tur­tle), Trionyx gangeticus (Indian soft shell turtle).

Difference # Turtle:

1. Shaped of the shell:

The shell is heart- shaped and is cov­ered with smooth skin or horny shields.

2. Limbs:

The digits of limbs are en-sheathed by a covering and form paddles. Limbs or clawed less or clawed.

3. Whether head and limbs can be withdrawn or not:

Head cannot be withdrawn comple­tely under the shell

4. Habitat:

Marine

5. Mode of feeding:

Herbivorous or car­nivorous e.g., Lepidochelys olivacea (Olive ridley turtle) Chelone mydas (Green turtle).