* Federal Endangered State Endangered *

Common Name:

 Kemp's Ridley Sea Turtle
Scientific Name:
Lepidochelys kempii
Etymology:
Genus:

Lepidochelys is derived from the Greek word lepidos which means "scale" and chelys which means "tortoise". This refers to the oar like flippers.
 Species:
kempii  was assigned to honor Richard M. Kemp, a 19th century Florida naturalists.
Average Length:
23 - 27.5 in (58 - 70 cm)
Virginia Record Length: 
23.1 in. (58.7 cm)
Record length:
29.5 in. (74.9 cm)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

*Click on a thumbnail for a larger version.