Turtles of South Carolina
The multitude of aquatic and terrestrial habitats in the Southeastern United States supplies one of the greatest assortments and diversity of turtles on the planet. South Carolina is home to about 19 different species of turtles. This includes the large ocean dwelling Sea Turtles. The burrow constructing Gopher Tortoises. The out of this world looking Softshell Turtles. And much more. Scroll down to find a quick description of these turtles and select a species from the list to pull up a more detailed species account.
Chelonidae - Sea Turtles
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
(Caretta caretta)
Loggerhead Sea Turtles were awarded their name because of the impressive head. The head is typically orange to reddish-brown in coloration and used for crushing the shells of different bottom-dwelling invertebrates. Their carapace (top of shell) is reddish-brown in coloration and creates a soft heart shape with scutes that do not overlap.
SC Distribution: Coastal Zone
Green Sea Turtle
(Chelonia mydas)
These large sea turtles typically have a gorgeous olive or brown carapace with wavy markings and can reach lengths of up to 50 inches – making them the second largest sea turtle in the world. The carapace has four pleural scute and the first pair does not touch the cervical scute.
SC Distribution: Coastal Zone
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
(Eretmochelys imbricata)
SC Distribution: Coastal Zone