Leaf Turtle: One of the World's Smallest Turtles

Originating from Asia is one of the world's smallest and cutest turtles. They are known for making excellent pets due to their gentle nature; however, when they are first being introduced captivity, they can be quite shy and nervous. Once it becomes familiar with the new environment, they are sure a joy to have around! In fact, if you are thinking about caring for a turtle, the Leaf turtle may just be the pet for you!

The Leaf turtle has many different names due to its origin, and its interesting appearance and distinguishable features; many of their names are quite interesting and funny like the "Ryukyu-Yama-Game", the "Ryukyu Black Breasted leaf Turtle", the "Jagged Shell Turtle", the "Vietnamese Leaf Turtle" and the "Chinese Leaf Turtle". The specific scientific name is Geomyda spengleri.

The Leaf Turtle is perhaps one of the world's smallest turtles as they are usually no longer than 4.5 inches at the adult stage. Their carapace is usually a brown or tan color, and has three keels on it. The lower shell, also known as the plastron, is a yellow cream color. Females also have a yellow or cream stripe on the side of his head. They have partially webbed feet, and also huge eyes popping out of their head. In some cases, they also look like leaves, and can camouflage into the environment which is great because they enjoy spending most of their time foraging for food on the ground.

The Leaf Turtle is not an aquatic creature, and like to spend most of its time on the land although it will occasionally go for the quick dip or swim. Generally, they do not spend too much time in the water though. Most of the time, they will be found burrowing and exploring on the ground foraging for food. They live in moderate temperature areas with warm weather, and are found inhabiting in mountainous areas.

The Leaf Turtle originated from China, and Vietnam. They also are found in the Philippines although the specimen that has been identified as the Leaf Turtle may actually be the offspring of another specimen of turtle. They were first introduced to the United States in 1980; however, the Leaf Turtle is hard to breed in captivity, and they are generally not found outside their homeland. Still, they are quite an interesting and adorable specimen of turtle to breed.

Even as of right now, there are still many unknowns about the Leaf Turtle. For one, the actual diet of the Leaf Turtle is still uncertain. We can only hypothesize that they feed primarily on leaves, fruit, snails, worms, and insects found around their habitats and in the environment that they live in.

The Leaf Turtle is an extremely interesting turtle because of its unknown, and a really fun and beautiful specimen! They are definitely worth seeing.