Keys to the Turtles of Australia

Scott Thomson.

1.

Four pairs of costal scutes.

2

Greater than four pairs of costal scutes.

4

2.

Two pairs of prefrontal scales; anterior part of head narrow, beak-like in profile.

Eretmochelys imbricata
Hawksbill Turtle

One pair of prefrontal scales; anterior part of head rounded and blunt in profile.

3

3.

Four or more postocular scales; large scales on upper eyelid; anterior surface of antebrachium with a perimeter of large scales; distal half of forelimb almost entirely covered with enlarged scales.

Chelonia mydas
Green Sea Turtle

Three postocular scales; many small scales on upper eyelid; anterior surface of antebrachium with a perimeter of large scales surrounding a broad median area of minute scales; distal half of forelimb with single rows of enlarged scales extending along phalanges, separated by areas of smaller irregular or wrinkled skin.

Natador depressa
Flatback Turtle

4.

Four enlarged inframarginal scales on each bridge, with pores; six or more costal scutes on each side.

Lepidochelys olivacea
Olive Ridley Turtle

Three enlarged inframarginals on each side of the bridge (Fig. 1h), without pores; rarely more than five costal scutes present.

Caretta caretta
Loggerhead Turtle