Geoclemys hamiltonii
Encyclopedia
The black pond turtle (Geoclemys hamiltonii), also known as the spotted pond turtle, is a species
of turtle
found in South Asia
. It is also known as the Indian spotted turtle. It belongs to the monotypic genus Geoclemys.
, with three interrupted keels or series of nodose prominences corresponding to the vertebral and costal shields. Its posterior border is strongly serrated in young, but feebly in the adult; nuchal moderate, broader posteriorly than anteriorly; first vertebral not or scarcely broader anteriorly than posteriorly; second and third vertebrals broader than long in the young, nearly as long as broad in the adult, narrower than the costals. Plastron large, angulate laterally, truncate anteriorly; posterior lobe much narrower than the opening of the shell, nearly as long as tho width of the bridge, deeply notched posteriorly. Head rather large; snout very short, not projecting. Its upper jaw emarginate mesially. The width of the mandible of Geoclemys hamiltonii at the symphysis nearly equals the horizontal diameter of the orbit. A large shield, sometimes divided into three, covers the upper surface of the snout and the crown; one shield round the upper jaw and one on each side between the eye and the ear. Digits webbed to the claws. Tail extremely short. Shell dark brown or blackish, elegantly marked with yellow spots and radiating streaks. Soft parts dark brown or blackish, with round yellow spots, largest on the head and neck.
) and Bangladesh
.
Species
In biology, a species is one of the basic units of biological classification and a taxonomic rank. A species is often defined as a group of organisms capable of interbreeding and producing fertile offspring. While in many cases this definition is adequate, more precise or differing measures are...
of turtle
Turtle
Turtles are reptiles of the order Testudines , characterised by a special bony or cartilaginous shell developed from their ribs that acts as a shield...
found in South Asia
South Asia
South Asia, also known as Southern Asia, is the southern region of the Asian continent, which comprises the sub-Himalayan countries and, for some authorities , also includes the adjoining countries to the west and the east...
. It is also known as the Indian spotted turtle. It belongs to the monotypic genus Geoclemys.
Description
This turtle is mainly black with small yellowish spots. The black pond turtle has a much elevated carapaceCarapace
A carapace is a dorsal section of the exoskeleton or shell in a number of animal groups, including arthropods such as crustaceans and arachnids, as well as vertebrates such as turtles and tortoises. In turtles and tortoises, the underside is called the plastron.-Crustaceans:In crustaceans, the...
, with three interrupted keels or series of nodose prominences corresponding to the vertebral and costal shields. Its posterior border is strongly serrated in young, but feebly in the adult; nuchal moderate, broader posteriorly than anteriorly; first vertebral not or scarcely broader anteriorly than posteriorly; second and third vertebrals broader than long in the young, nearly as long as broad in the adult, narrower than the costals. Plastron large, angulate laterally, truncate anteriorly; posterior lobe much narrower than the opening of the shell, nearly as long as tho width of the bridge, deeply notched posteriorly. Head rather large; snout very short, not projecting. Its upper jaw emarginate mesially. The width of the mandible of Geoclemys hamiltonii at the symphysis nearly equals the horizontal diameter of the orbit. A large shield, sometimes divided into three, covers the upper surface of the snout and the crown; one shield round the upper jaw and one on each side between the eye and the ear. Digits webbed to the claws. Tail extremely short. Shell dark brown or blackish, elegantly marked with yellow spots and radiating streaks. Soft parts dark brown or blackish, with round yellow spots, largest on the head and neck.
Distribution
Southern Pakistan (Indus and Ganges river drainages), north-eastern India (AssamAssam
Assam , also, rarely, Assam Valley and formerly the Assam Province , is a northeastern state of India and is one of the most culturally and geographically distinct regions of the country...
) and Bangladesh
Bangladesh
Bangladesh , officially the People's Republic of Bangladesh is a sovereign state located in South Asia. It is bordered by India on all sides except for a small border with Burma to the far southeast and by the Bay of Bengal to the south...
.