Caspian turtle (Mauremys caspica)
The spotted water turtle, Emys orbicularis, is a species of freshwater turtle. It is found in Southern and Central Europe, Western Asia and North Africa. The geographical distribution of the species in Greece includes the mainland, Peloponnese, Evia, some Ionian islands, Samothraki, Lemnos, Lesvos and probably Thassos.
The length of the eel (shell) does not exceed 25 cm, but usually reaches 20 cm. Females are larger than males. Prefers stagnant or slightly flowing waters with aquatic vegetation. It is a timid and shy turtle, which immediately hides in the water as soon as it senses danger. It is much rarer than the striped water turtle (Mauremys rivulata) in Greece. It feeds mainly on invertebrates but also on fish, amphibians, small snakes, corpses and plants. Females lay 3-18 eggs in holes they dig in soft soil, which hatch after 2-4 months. The hatchlings are 2-2.5 cm long and carry a keel along it. Males become sexually mature between 6 and 13 years of age, while females mature much later, between 18 and 20 years.