The Turtle

Turtle Time

      Reptiles are all sorts of shapes, colors, and sizes, but when you hear the word reptile, you probably picture crocodiles, alligators, or boa constrictors. Yet there are more than 7, 700 species of reptiles in the world (quite a lot!) and not all of them are big and scary animals. Lizards, tortoises, and turtles are also reptiles, and many are small and gentle creatures. One example is red-bellied turtles, a reptile found in eastern and south-central United States. Reaching about 10 to 15 inches in length and very colorful, these tiny turtles are adorable reptiles.

      Reptiles are the only animals in the world that have skin covered with a sheet of scales, a self-regulated body temperature, and young that look like miniature adults. (Most reptiles are hatched from eggs, but some are born live). You might not think turtle shells are scaly, but think again. Turtles' shells are complex structures made up of bones and scales developing from the turtles' outer layer of skin-think of shells as natural body armor! Red-bellied turtles have greenish to dark brown or black shells with bright yellowish, orangish, or reddish vertical markings. Their head, neck, and legs are covered with yellow stripes. These colors are usually brighter in baby turtles, but even though their colors fade a bit as they grow, they're still very attractive turtles.

      Red-bellied turtles are shy creatures, preferring the deeper water of ponds, lakes, streams, and rivers. They feed on snails, crayfish, tadpoles, and various aquatic plants. Turtles often have a reputation as long-living animals, and red-bellied turtles fall under this category with an average lifespan of 50 years! Finally, ever wondered about the difference between turtles and tortoises? Turtles live primarily in the water and tortoises prefer to live on land.

Contents are courtesy of the Chicago Zoological Society, which operates Brookfield Zoo.