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Journal of Experimental Biology 46,161-167 (1967)
Published by Company of Biologists 1967

Osmoregulation in the Diamondback Terrapin, Malaclemys Terrapin Centrata

P. J. BENTLEY ¹, W. L. BRETZ ², and KNUT SCHMIDT-NIELSEN ²

¹ Department of Zoology, Duke University, Durham, N.C.; Department of Physiology and Pharmacology, Duke University
² Department of Zoology, Duke University, Durham, N.C.

1. While in hypertonic environment diamondback terrapins (Malaclemys centrata) slowly lose water by osmosis through the integument and as urine through the kidney.

2. Small amounts of sodium are gained, probably largely as a result of diffusion through the integument rather than by drinking, and this sodium is principally excreted extrarenally. Nevertheless, the solute concentration in the blood of such turtles increases.

3. When returned to fresh water the animals rehydrate and excrete accumulated excess sodium.

4. In these ways they could undoubtedly survive for extended periods in the absence of fresh water, but it is not clear whether they could do so indefinitely.