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Hawksbill turtle

hawksbill turtle (Eretmochelys imbricata)
Great Barrier Reef, Queensland
Photo © Mariana Fuentes
Eretmochelys imbricata - (Linnaeus, 1766)
Pronunciation  e-RET-moh-KEE-liss   IM-bree-KAH-taah
Etymology  Eretmochelys: 'oak turtle', in reference to the (supposedly) oak-leaf-shaped flippers.1
imbricata: 'tiled', referring to the overlapping scutes of the carapace.1
Other names   
 
Carapace length
Species avg: 100 cm
Reproduction
Oviparous
Clutch size
Average: 50
Description Distribution Natural history Conservation Further information More photos

Description

Olive-green or brown above, richly variegated with reddish-brown, dark brown and black. Scales of head and face often dark with pale contrasting sutures. Whitish below. Hatchlings blackish above, dark below. Head rather small. Three postoculars. Shell distinctly and somewhat narrowly heart-shaped. Four costal shields on each side. Beak-like snout (hence the common name). Scutes on carapace overlap. Two pairs of prefrontal scales on top of head.

Similar species

Subspecies


imbricata (Atlantic Ocean)
squamata (Indian and Pacific Oceans)?
bissa (Indian and Pacific Oceans)?
Notes and disclaimer
This information may not be complete. While all care is taken to ensure the accuracy of the information in this page, primary sources should always be consulted for definitive information. Animals have an endearing habit of disobeying the rules, so the information on this page should be interpreted with a degree of flexibility.
The author and site operator accepts no responsibility for any losses or damages incurred through using this web site or the information contained herein. Don't get bitten by anything!
This page may be cited as:
  Eretmochelys imbricata at the Australian Reptile Online Database. Last updated 2019-02-17 23:52:53.
  Retrieved from http://arod.com.au/arod/?species=Eretmochelys+imbricata on the 28th of March, 2024.
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