Behavior of Hatchling Diamondback Terrapins (Malaclemys terrapin) in the Field

Hatchling diamondback terrapins were studied in 1974 on Little Beach Island, New Jersey. Thirty-six (36%) of the 100 nests studied were not destroyed by predators during the incubation period. Sixty-nine percent of the eggs in these nests hatched, and 76% of the hatchlings emerged successfully. Hatchlings in individual nests emerged over a one to eight day period, and most hatchlings emerged during the day. Hatchlings emerging from nests on flat sand areas showed no compass orientation, while those emerging on sloping dunes moved downward. Results of tests on an incline apparatus were consistent with field observations.