Growth, maturity, and sexual dimorphism in the wood turtle, Clemmys insculpta

摘要: Growth in the wood turtle (Clemmys insculpta) is described using von Bertalanffy growth model and nonlinear regression. both sexes similar until about 160 mm plastron length. Males grew at a faster rate after this size. appear to mature larger size later age than females, although age-specific body highly variable. Sexual dimorphism, carapace length, pronounced, with males attaining mean sizes significantly (1.07–1.10 times) those of adult females. Plastron length an inappropriate measure sexual dimorphism because development plastral concavity males. Females tend predominate samples, possibly owing differential maturity sexes. The direction may be maintained by intrasexual competition among for access Data several adults captured intervals from 9 20 years support concept indeterminate growth.