Wildlifeof China
Black-breasted Leaf Turtle
Tortoises & Freshwater Turtles
Photo: Spengleri at German Wikipedia · Public domain
Geoemyda spengleri
Basic stats
Diet
Crustaceans; small invertebrates in captivity
Habitat
Solitary and terrestrial, needing open areas to nest
Range
Southern China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan), Vietnam and Laos
Clutch size
1–2 eggs in captivity
Weight
90–150g
The black-breasted leaf turtle, also called the Vietnamese leaf turtle, is one of the smallest turtle species, weighing 90–150g. It is recognised by the black markings on the plastron, and its leaf-like carapace helps camouflage it. Estimated lifespan is 20–24 years (Wikipedia, general species account).
It is thought to be solitary and terrestrial and needs sufficient habitat to nest in open areas; it may feed on crustaceans, and eats small invertebrates in captivity. Reproduction in the wild has not been recorded, but in captivity females lay one or two eggs per clutch. The Reptile Database gives southern China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan and Yunnan), Vietnam and Laos (The Reptile Database; Wikipedia, general species account).
Quick answers
- What does the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle eat?
- Crustaceans; small invertebrates in captivity
- What habitat does the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle live in?
- Solitary and terrestrial, needing open areas to nest
- Where is the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle found?
- Southern China (Guangxi, Guangdong, Hainan, Yunnan), Vietnam and Laos
- How many eggs does the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle lay?
- 1–2 eggs in captivity
- How much does the Black-breasted Leaf Turtle weigh?
- 90–150g