In ancient times there was a belief that the Earth was resting on the shell of a gigantic turtle.In Chinese mythology, this reptile was one of the sacred animals.Adherents of esotericism tortoise shells used for divination.Apparently, the number of plates that are located at the edge of the "Turtle House", contributed to this.The Chinese people have portrayed this animal on the imperial banners, believing that protects the turtle from the fire and war.
In Japan, it mysterious creature was considered a symbol of longevity, wisdom and immortality.Oriental doctors have tried to make tortoiseshell miracle drug that can slow the aging of the human body.In India, people paid attention to the fact that turtles tend to hide in a shell.This feature of they identified with meditation and spirituality.
Legend of turtle
among Mongolian people is a legend that once a turtle moved from north to south.On the way she met a soldier who let it boom.The arrow pierced tortoise shell, hitting her death.
From the damaged shell originated the forest, and from the blood of the dying animal formed the sea - it was the northern side of the world.The flames that broke last turtle throat, called the southern side.According to legend, in the animal's legs were trapped lumps of earth, which later formed the soil with all the flora.So, according to the myth, there were all points of the compass and the ground.
Scientists believe that the turtles appeared on Earth 200 million years ago.They have changed little since then.Only some of them have mastered the land, while others - depths of the sea and fresh water.The researchers suggest that the life expectancy of a turtle on the ground is more than 200 years!About what age this amazing creature, it can be judged by flaps on its shell.
shell structure
tortoise shells of the world consists of two boards: dorsal and ventral.They are interconnected.The carapace has a hole for the head, legs and tail.When approaching danger turtle hides in its shelter.
In some species of this animal soft shell, but it's pretty durable.So fearsome predator will not be able to crack it.The carapace is a real protection for the turtle.After all, the nature of it is clumsy and slow, and the "house with an" always will protect and hide from enemies.
Turtles are divided into the sea, river and land.Scientists account for about 230 species of these interesting creatures.They each other there are some differences in color, size and structure of the body.
example, land and river turtles are smaller in size than their marine counterparts.All reptiles - an extremely heat-loving creatures.Their habitat is the tropics and subtropics.
Only in very hot deserts of New Zealand and the Pacific coast of South America, travelers do not happen to find turtles.Land species is found in almost all corners of our planet.The known Russian river and sea turtles.
red-eared sliders
most beautiful representative of the world's turtle - Krasnouhov.This freshwater turtle, which has a shell size of 25 centimeters.Beauty-creeper growing for many years.Carapace red-eared sliders for 1,5 years reaches a diameter of about 7.5 cm. Then it continues to grow more slowly, adding to 1 cm per year.Carapace red-eared sliders can reach a maximum length of 30 centimeters.
She herself comes from the south-eastern United States.Outwardly, this lovely creature.On both sides of the heads of turtles have red spots, for which she was named "Krasnouhov."Although in reality it does not have ears.Interestingly, krasnouhih shell turtle is able to change color depending on their age and environment.In young animals is dominated by bright colors, in adults - the darker tones to black.
Contents turtles
Russian fans willing to take on a corner of the living this kind of turtle.It is not only bright coloration reptile, but also in its unpretentiousness.But there are some features that should be considered.
example, mistakenly opt for the red-bug small terrarium.After all, the reptile will grow and demand more and more space.It should be reserved terrarimumom 100-150 liters.It is necessary to provide a dry space, and the water level to exceed the size of tortoise shell.
water in the aquarium is recommended to change 1-2 times a week and keep it in the temperature of at least + 20-26oC.If we neglect these rules, then after a while it can be found on the shell of an animal spots unhealthy color.Experts advise to put aquarium with a turtle in a sunny place, as the domestic ward loves to bask in the warm rays.
Health turtles, including the state of her shell, depends on the power.It must be balanced.On sale there is a considerable amount of food for turtles, but they do not take into account all the mineral and vitamin supplements.
It will sooner or later affect the health of reptiles.Parallel to this, you may find that the red-turtle soft-shelled, that is not its natural features.Supplement the diet can melkoporezannoy fresh fish.Excellent feed supplement for tortoises may serve as moths and earthworms.
Carapace - an indicator of health
tortoise-shell often suffer from traumatic injury.Especially in this land located reptiles.The reason may be the fall from the height of the turtle.Sometimes a bug can accidentally step on or pinch her at the door.
is why shell tortoise should be inspected periodically for cracks, scratches and other changes.If the owner noticed stains on the shell of a tortoise or a suspicious change in color, this may indicate the presence of a secondary bacterial and fungal microflora.These lesions can lead to partial or total destruction of the shell.When these symptoms should immediately consult a doctor!
Softening shell
consider the reasons why a turtle shell becomes soft.If this is not due to natural feature, it is likely, as affected by the lack of calcium in the body of the animal.It also talks about non-compliance with the rules of the content of the turtle, the lack of UV rays and a lack of vitamin D.
If you notice, for example, that the red-turtle soft-shelled, then rush to the doctor for an examination.Only he can say exactly what was the cause of this phenomenon, and what must be done.Often the owners of reptiles notice spots on the shell of a turtle in the form of algae.If they are weak and little, then nothing to worry about.If the turtle "overgrown" this pattern, you should pay attention to water pollution and lighting.White spots on the shell turtles can signal the presence of the fungus.Self-treatment is not recommended reptiles.In any case, if seen on the red-turtle shell spots, the best time to see a doctor, a herpetologist.
leatherback turtle
This reptile is considered the largest turtle in the world.Her body weight ranges up to 600 kg, and its length reaches up to 3 meters.Why did the turtle shell attracts attention?Carapace reptile of this species consists of interconnected bony plates.But he is not bound to the skeleton.A distinctive feature of the shell Leatherback - extremely dense skin!Scientists note that this reptile is not able to pull his head into his shell because of the unusual structure of his body.Science
known another major species - a giant tortoise.Sometimes called the gigantic, and the Seychelles.Reptile lives on the island of Aldabra.Turtle interesting for its structure: it is quite powerful legs and a small head relative to the body.Carapace her pretty sloping and reaches 130 centimeters.
sternotherus
Cantaloupe bug - the smallest in the world.Their habitats - pools the US and Canada.It weighs a little more than the creation of the nature of 200 grams.The length of the bug - about 8 centimeters carapace reaches about 6-7 centimeters.As protection reptile is able to exude a rather unpleasant odor due to the liquid that collects at the back of her shell.Turtle is omnivorous and unpretentious.In its diet includes small fish food, various aquatic vegetation.
roof turtle
unusual structure among turtles released roofing.Her homeland - India.The carapace of this interesting bug in length is about 40 cm.
On the back of the reptile has keel.Especially striking is directed back to the third prong vertebral plate.Coating roof Bug excellent!
belly reptiles - reddish-yellow, with distinct black spots.Head and neck stand out bright red.The carapace fringed pale yellow tape, plays a greenish-brown shades.
Interesting
females turtles lay their eggs in the sand or decayed plants.The number of eggs can be from 7 to 100 pieces.Hatched from them, little bug in a hurry to water, considering it as a haven.
But on the way reptiles can serve as food for various predators: Crabs and birds.All they want to try turtle meat.However, water can also eat reptiles.Just being in a body of water, turtles move faster and the chances of survival are greater.
