Chrysemys is a genus of turtles in the family Emydiidae. They are found in most areas of North America. This genus includes loggerhead turtles and southern loggerhead turtles. In Chrysemis, sex determination is temperature dependent. Incubating the eggs at low temperatures will produce males, and incubating them at high temperatures will produce females.
Classification of Chrysemys (Painted Terrapin)
- Phylum :- Chordata (Dorsal tubular nerve cord, notochord and gill-slits present.)
- Group :- Craniata (Definite head, Cranium with brain present.)
- Sub phylum :- Vertebrata (Vertebral column present.)
- Division :- Gnathostomata (Jaws and paired appendages present.)
- Super Class :- Tetrapoda (Paired limbs, lungs, cornified skin and bony skeleton.)
- Class :- Reptilia (Scaly vertebrates. Right and left aortic arches present. Single condyle. Pulmonary respiration. Embryo with amnion and allantois.)
- Sub Class :- Anapsida (Primitive reptiles. Skull completely roofed over.)
- Order :- Chelonia (Turtles, tortoises and terrapins.)
- Suborder :- Thecophora (Thoracic vertebrae and ribs fused to carapace.)
- Family :- Testudinidae (Toes not webbed, hindlegs cylindrical, shell high.)
- Genus :- Chrysemys (Painted Terrapin)
Geographical distribution
Chrysemys is commonly found in India, Sri Lanka, U.S.A., Galapago Islands, Europe, Asia, and Africa, except Australian region. Eocene to Recent
Habit and habitat
Chrysemys is a common fresh-water form, but is adapted for amphibious life. It feeds on insects, worms and other animals
General Characteristics of Chrysemys (Painted Terrapin)
- Commonly called as painted terrapin. Body divided into head, neck, trunk and stumpy tail.
- Body encased in a bony armour of dorsal carapace and ventral plastron. Nuchal shield is elongated and narrow. Keel absent.
- Plastron is provided with transverse hinge.
- Costal and neural plates of carapace convex and dome-shaped.
- Marginal plates communicate with the plastron.
- Head is triangular containing eyes, mouth, nares and tympanum.
- There is a fold of skin behind the head in the neck region.
- Forelimbs and backwardly directed hind limbs well developed. Middle front toe with 3 phalanges. Toes partly webbed.
- Temporal vacuities are absent.
- Neck, limbs and tail contain beautiful and brilliant coloured stripes.
- Head, tail and limbs can be compeletly withdrawn within two shells for safety
Identification
Since this terrapin contains webbed toes and above features, hence it is Chrysemys.