Family : GEOEMYDIDAE
Species : Heosemys spinosa
Maximum Carapace Length : 22 cm

References : H1, H3

The uncommon Spiny Terrapin is largely a forest floor dweller ; it is well camouflaged amongst the leaf litter, making occasional forays to streams and puddles. It feeds on fallen fruits and other vegetation.

The attractive juveniles have a markedly serrated carapace, however this feature is less apparent in adults. The latter can be identified by the reddish, or sometimes yellowish, markings on the head and neck. The species also has a vertebral keel along the back of the carapace.

The species ranges from Burma, Thailand, Peninsular Malaysia and Singapore to Borneo and Sumatra.

The orange-brown juvenile (left) is unmistakable with its serrated carapace. The adult (right) is dark brown and has lost most of its serrations except those towards the posterior.