Turtles : identification key

Abstract

MARINE TURTLES OF SAMOA IDENTIFICATION KEY Leathery carapace with • 5 – 7 distinct ridges • No large scales Hard carapace with • No distinct ridges • Large scales Leatherback turtle Dermochelys coriacea Hawksbill turtle Eretmochelys imbricata 2 pairs prefrontal scales N • L • P • Colour olicw grey 4 costal scales 5 (rarely 6) costal scales Loggerhead turtle Caretta caretta 1 pair prefron • High domed carapace • No preoccular scales • Colour light to dark gr C6 or more costal scalesOlive ridley turtle Lepidochelys olivacea tal scales ow domed carapace with upturned edges reoccular scale present een with dark mottling Flatback turtle atator depressus Green turtle helonia mydas