Alligator terrapin
(gcide) | Terrapin \Ter"ra*pin\, n. [Probably of American Indian origin.]
(Zool.)
Any one of numerous species of tortoises living in fresh and
brackish waters. Many of them are valued for food. [Written
also terapin, terrapen, terrapene, turpen, and
turapen.]
[1913 Webster]
Note: The yellow-bellied terrapin (Pseudemys scabra) of the
Southern United States, the red-bellied terrapin
(Pseudemys rugosa or Chrysemys rubriventris),
native of the tributaries Chesapeake Bay (called also
potter, slider, and redfender), and the
diamond-back or salt-marsh terrapin ({Malaclemmys
palustris}), are the most important American species.
The diamond-back terrapin is native of nearly the whole
of the Atlantic coast of the United States.
[1913 Webster]
Alligator terrapin, the snapping turtle.
Mud terrapin, any one of numerous species of American
tortoises of the genus Cinosternon.
Painted terrapin, the painted turtle. See under Painted.
Speckled terrapin, a small fresh-water American terrapin
(Chelopus guttatus) having the carapace black with round
yellow spots; -- called also spotted turtle.
[1913 Webster] |