Turtles

Turtles spend much of their lives in water, and their bodies show it. Unlike tortoises, which plod on land with heavy legs, most turtles have flatter, streamlined shells and webbed feet or flippers for swimming. Freshwater species such as the musk turtle and map turtle live in ponds and rivers, while sea turtles cross entire oceans and come ashore only to lay eggs. Many eat a mix of plants, insects and fish.

Browse profiles from the giant leatherback turtle to the tiny bog turtle, follow the turtle life cycle from beach nest to adult, and read our pet turtle guide before setting up an aquarium.