* Federal Endangered State Endangered *

Common Name:

 Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Scientific Name:
Eretmochelys imbricata
Etymology:
Genus:

Eretmochelys is derived from the Greek word eretmon which means "oar" and chelys which means "tortoise". This refers to the oar like flippers.
 Species:
imbricata  is from the Latin word imbricatus which means "overlapping like shingles". This refers to the scutes on the carapace.
Average Length:
30 - 35 in. (76 - 89 cm), weight 95 - 165 lbs. (43 - 75 kg)
Virginia Record Length: 
12 in. (31 cm), weight 8.8 lbs. (4 kg)
Record length:
36+ in. (90+ cm), weight 280 lbs. (127 kg)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

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