* Federal Threatened State Endangered *

Common Name:

 Leatherback Sea Turtle
Scientific Name:
Dermochelys coriacea
Etymology:
Genus:

Dermochelys is derived from the Greek word derma which means "skin" and chelys which means "tortoise".
 Species:

coriacea  is from the Latin word corium which means "leather".
Average Length:
53 - 70 in. (135 - 178 cm), weight 650 - 1,200 lbs. (295 - 544 kg)
Virginia Record Length: 
Record length:
74.3 (189 cm), weight 2,016 lbs. (916 kg)

 

Virginia Fish and Wildlife Information Service: Species Booklet

Photos:

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