#turtle facts

[mintyyyshake9000]

Found a fact floating around that red ear sliders like to sit on soft shells :> so this is may take on that fact. Whenever Donnie does the "shrimp back" thing his back ends up hurting so Leo offers to sit on his shell as a type of relief/pressure stim. And with a pillow in between so he doesn't hurt Donnie's shell :]

Here's the original image lol

Also this did extremely well on my Instagram cause it just hit over 400 likes! :O which is now my most liked post lol so I'm hoping it does well here as well

[shadowpuppetteer]

Here are some more weird animal facts. Peacocks show off their feathers, walruses do battle, and turtles do jazz hands. I love how silly evolution is.

[allyheart707]

Lots of medical turtle stuff down here, if you wanna use it. If not, feel free to ignore. I just freaking love turtles and reptiles and learn about their medical needs in my spare time since I plan to have a few some day.

So, interestingly, when blood is drawn from a turtle, it's usually drawn from the neck. Close above the shell, jugular vein area.

And sometimes from the same spot right above the tail. That vein is called the coccygeal vein, or the tail vein.

However, the ninja turtle boys are mutants, and anthropomorphic turtles, so their anatomy may be more similar to a human in terms of vascular and arterial (veins and arteries), so elbow/wrist may be more appropriate.

Or, secret third option, an in-between. Like the shoulder.

Honestly I'm not sure it even matters since we'd have no way of knowing for sure in the case of mutant humanoid turtles, but I don't think the shoulder would work realistically in any case here due to the difficult vein and artery placement there.

(I couldn't find any good vascular maps for a turtle so have a weird minor-detail one from a medical journal about sea turtle anatomy. Note: some internal structures vary between turtle species due to environment and body shape, but only slightly.)

(Also note: there are two separate pictures due to the labeling. It's the same map, but there's so many things to label they had to make two.)

So, just for funsies, I thought you might like to know where they draw from with actual non-mutated turtles. Just in case.

Here's some terminology and other facts if you ever wanna use that:

The veins typically sought out for blood drawing in turtles are the jugular and tail vein, but a couple others may work. This is typically because most other drawing sites, like the arms, have a much higher chance of lymph contamination in the sample. The jugular is the least likely site to give this contamination.

It's not recommended to try to access the jugular when the head is in the shell, nor is it recommended to attempt to get the head out of the shell for the sample. In those cases, sedation is the preferred method. Mostly to not hurt the animal.

The tail vein is the second best option, and can be approached ventral or dorsal (from underneath or from the top).

If a turtle keeps their head in their shell and sedation is not an option, the subcarapacial sinus is used. It lies inside the carapace at the level of the cervical vertebrae. So basically right at the top above the neck at the juncture between the neck and the shell.

(medical article snippet below)

Here's another visual reference for the preferred spots

Hope this helped! Or if you don't feel like going through this much trouble for your "just for fun" comic, I hope you enjoyed learning something new! 😊

Woah! Thank you for this! I will definitely keep this in mind for the future of this project and/or any other turtle projects I do.

Thank you so much for going out of your way to write all this out for me! I found it actually pretty interesting! Maybe this will convince me to look up a little bit more about turtles in the future :33

[quartergremlin]

I’ve actually looked more into the “virgin birth” phenomenon in reptiles. While there hasn’t been a case recorded in turtles, they can lay viable eggs years after having a partner. Turtles can store a partners reproductive cells to use years later. So a turtle that used to live in the wild could lay viable eggs in captivity with no partner. Giving the illusion of a virgin birth. Also, Spiny Softshell turtles are also one of the only turtles that have a genetic dependent sex determination instead of temperature dependent. I say “one of” because I haven’t found any more but it’s possible there are. I even found an article about “male-like” spiny softshells that are biologically female but have typically male external traits. I think it’s something to do with temperature influencing proteins released into female embryos. I’m far from a scientist so I’m sure I’m over simplifying it. None of this really relates to your comics, they’re just the reason I fell into this rabbit hole and I thought you’d like to learn some fun turtle egg facts.

yeah!! turtles are like. gross. reproductive hampsters.

and thank you! i do love turtle facts! its great when animals just. trans their own gender. or have a weird gender in the first place. chickens. frogs. and now turtles!

[saraichinwag]

Can Turtles Breathe Underwater?

[sunsetsandsunshine]

Not really a request, but more of a question for a TMNT tickle headcanon I'm starting to form.

Since most turtles can hold their breaths a lot longer than people, would that mean the turtle bros could give insanely long raspberries if they wanted?

KAHSJKSHJAA DUDE I WAS JUST THINKING ABT THIIIIS

OKAYOKAY so like- yeah. Turtles can hold they’re breaths for a LONG ASS TIME- usually 40-50 mins give or take. And bc I am a turtle nerd I was researching on alligator snapping turtles and these mfs can hold their breath FOR. AN. HOUR. SAME WITH SOFTSHELLS.

As for boxing turtles, they can hold their breath to 15-30 mins and red eared sliders 30-35- WHICH ISNT BAD- BUT COMPARED TO DONNIE AND RAPH THATS NOTHING.

So I can just imagine Raph and Don completely torturing they’re younger bros and teasing the literal SHIT out of them not being able to handle raspberries at ALLLLL

Idk abt the 2012 boys tho…since they’re all the same species so maybe they’d all be able to equally give the most ticklish raspberries? This is definitely something I won’t stop thinking abt now so thank you Anon 💖💖💖💞😖😖😖💖💞💕😭

[critter-of-the-day]

28th of October 2024: Alligator Snapping Turtle

Let’s just keep the ridiculously large critters rolling for our Halloween season; here’s the Alligator Snapping Turtle (Macrochelys temminckii). They are the largest freshwater turtle in the USA [1], at a length of 40-70 cm and weight of 18-70 kg [2].

They are found mostly in the Southern parts of the United States [1], where they will prefer to stay in the parts of the waterways that offer cover to them, such as submerged logs, overhanging shrubbery, or beaver dams. They don’t leave the water, except to lay eggs, and so they also don’t spend time basking in the sun. Instead it is suspected that they use different water depths to adjust their temperature as the seasons change [3].

They are opportunistic generalist predators, being open to eating most things that come swimming their way [4]. That’s not even a metaphor, as their hunting strategy involves opening their mouth to reveal a worm-like appendage that their prey mistakes for food when the Alligator Snapping Turtle lies still. Thus they come closer and the turtle will eat them [2]. This obviously leads to a lot of fish in their diet, as well as crawfish and freshwater mussels, however researchers have also found remains of other turtles, mammals such as nutria, snakes, or even birds within their stomachs [4].

While they’re native to the USA, they have also been introduced to and are now considered an invasive species in South Africa [2]. In the 1960s and 1970s they were also threatened by commercial hunting, and while it’s been banned since, there are still people who illegal hunt them. They are also affected by the killing of other non-human animals by humans, as they may swallow hooks or become entangled in fishing lines [1]. They are rated as Vulnerable by the IUCN, but that assessment was made in 1996 and has not been updated since [5].

Sources: [1] [2] [3] [4] [5] [Image] 

[i-guess-i-like-turtles-now]

A scammer has been impersonating USPS over text. I reported the first one but got two more. So, I’m attempting to annoy them by infodumping about turtles.

Day 3 and the message failed to send, so I suspect they blocked me. But their email is visible so the facts will continue 👀

(Remember kids, never click links from strangers!)

[kqrmen1]

teetles :)

top left is the florida redbelly, aka the Pseudemys nelsoni, and are a mainly herbivorous species native to Florida and parts of Georgia in the united states!

top right is the diamondback terrapin, aka the Malaclemys terrapin, which are omnivores which eat largely fish, crustaceans and marsh grasses. they have a native range from the Florida keys all the way to Cape Cod, Massachusetts, and has one of the largest ranges of any North American turtle. theres also a subspecies found in Bermuda which was not introduced there by humans! they’re a vulnerable species on the endangered species list due to overhunting in the early 20th century and accidental capture in crab traps.

bottom left is the peninsula cooter, aka the Pseudemys peninsularis, are a freshwater species native to florida. they’re closely related to florida redbellies, but are distinguished by the lack of red plastron! theyre also omnivores!

and finally, bottom right is the wood turtle, aka the Glyptemys insculpta. they live in Nova Scotia in the north and extend westwards to Minnesota and southward to Virginia, although skeletal remains have been found as far south as Georgia! they are omnivorous and have similar shells to diamondback terrapins. unfortunately they are endangered due to habitat destruction and illegal capturing for the pet trade.

just some fun guys for yall because i love turtles and theyre my latest hyperfixation animal (from elephants to foxes to llamas to raccoons and now to turtles. i blame TMNT)

[workaholic-witch]

AAAAA I LOVE HEADCANON POSTSSSSS

ROTTMNT Headcanons

Turtle Biology! (All hc’s are based on facts about their species of turtle!)

They all brumate (hibernation for reptiles) a little bit. Donnie and Leo have it the worst. It mostly entails them sleeping a lot when it gets super cold. 

While they really enjoy human food, each of them enjoy turtle food to a degree (Mikey-least, Donnie-most)

Donnie

Ate a frog for $25 once and liked it and now he freaks Mikey out with it 

He can swim the fastest, but sucks at running

When he was very, very little he bit Raph hard enough to draw blood

His bite is just a powerful as Raph’s but he doesn’t brag about it because he would never put something unclean in his mouth (w/o adequate compensation)

Leo 

Ate a frog for $5 once and liked it so he and Donnie gang up on Mikey to freak him out 

He likes nonverbal communication a lot and prefers it when he’s in a mood 

He sunbathes and tries to convince the others to come with him 

When it gets super cold he and Donnie bundle up for what Donnie calls “The Brumation Period” and Leo calls “The Super Nap” and they just sleep on the couch together for like three straight days

Raph

He once bit through a table leg 

When the temperature gets crazy he gets picky and really fussy

When it gets too cold he takes long naps in his room and enjoys alone time all cuddled up. He leaves the door cracked so that he can still hear his family

He does that thing when swimming where he’ll grab peoples ankles underwater  (will cry if someone grabs his ankles)

Has a great sense of smell 

Mikey 

Was terrified of water growing up and didn’t learn how to swim until very recently

Used to tease Donnie that he could go in his shell so effortlessly while Donnie couldn’t at all (before his battle shell)

When brumation time rolls around Mikey’s room becomes a total mess and he just collects all kinds of garbage that he surrounds himself with 

Ate a bug once too see if he liked it as much as his brothers liked their turtle food and he thought it was gross

[turtleanonymous]

ooc

lyonell is a british slang for cigarette

[colorstrike624]

No but seriously the things turtles can do are unhinged.

[allthingsanimals]

Exploring the World of Turtles: Fun and Unique Facts

Welcome to the fascinating world of turtles, where ancient creatures captivate with their remarkable features and behaviors. Turtles are among the most intriguing reptiles on our planet, boasting a rich diversity of species found in nearly every corner of the globe, from tropical seas to freshwater ponds and even deserts. As we delve into this diverse world, prepare to uncover a trove of fun and unique facts about turtles.

Fun and Unique Turtle Facts

1. Turtles are Ancient Creatures

Turtles are indeed ancient creatures, with a lineage that stretches back over 200 million years, making them one of the oldest reptile groups on Earth. Their evolutionary history dates back to the time of the dinosaurs, with some early turtle species existing alongside these iconic prehistoric creatures.

2. Modern Turtles Don't Have Teeth

Modern turtles, unlike many other reptiles, don't have teeth. Instead, they have adapted various methods for feeding depending on their diet and habitat. Instead of teeth, turtles have evolved specialized beaks suited to their specific dietary preferences.

3. Turtles Can Live For 100 Years

The remarkable longevity of turtles is well known; nevertheless, the lifespans of individual species varied greatly from one another. Numerous species of turtles have been reported to live over 100 years, and many turtles can survive for several decades. For example, with the right care, common pet turtles like red-eared sliders can live for 20 to 30 years. Depending on the species, sea turtles can live 50–100 years.

4.  Temperature Determines the Gender

Temperature-dependent sex determination (TSD) is the process by which the gender of various turtle species is dictated by the temperature at which their eggs are incubated. Research indicates that eggs laid by turtles below 81.86 degrees Fahrenheit will hatch into males, whereas eggs laid above 88.8 degrees Fahrenheit would hatch into females.

5. The Largest Species of Turtle is the Leatherback Sea Turtle

The Leatherback Sea Turtle holds the title as the largest turtle species in the world. Unlike most other turtles, the leatherback's shell is not hard but rather leathery and flexible, hence its name. These magnificent creatures can grow to impressive sizes, with adults often reaching lengths of up to 2-3 meters (6-9 feet) and weighing as much as 600 to 1,500 kilograms (1,300 to 3,300 pounds).

6. Turtles Can Sleep in Water

Turtles possess a fascinating ability to sleep underwater, making them unique among reptiles. Unlike mammals, turtles don't have to surface to breathe while they sleep, thanks to their ability to absorb oxygen from the water through their skin and the lining of their mouth and cloaca (the opening used for excretion and reproduction).

[quartergremlin]

I want to add that while for some turtle species the sex determination is based on temperature, for some it's genetic. For soft shell turtle species it seems to be a bit of a controversial topic, whether or not it's GSD or TSD, but from very quick googling it seems that a spiny softshell turtle specifically has a genetic sex determination system. I think it's cool that there's this variation among turtles, if I started my uni biology studies now I would probably want to focus more on turtles!

oh thats so cool (≧∇≦)ﾉ

i could see donnie attempting to run some rudimentary tests on themself as a kid to try and figure it out once and for all

[kiingbiing]

bffs <3

[turtleblogatlast]

Leo learns something about himself 🏳️‍⚧️

Based roughly on this old post.

Bonus:

[Leo is taking the fact that he was born biologically female simultaneously very well and also not so well but overall he’s mostly coping with the fact that it was Draxum that just essentially gave him the turtle equivalent of ‘The Talk’.]