Do you hug your family members? Have you smiled at a friend or gotten a kiss from your grandmother? Maybe you gave a gift to a neighbor, or had a nice conversation with your classmates? These are all ways in which humans show affection to others. But how about turtles? Can reptiles show affection?
People may think that turtles do not have personalities. Turtles are usually solitary animals and aren't often found in social groups. Because turtles lack vocal cords, they rarely make noise outside the occasional chirp or squeak. So they definitely don't compliment each other. Turtle communication is much more subtle.
It is very important for turtles to use body language and physical touch to express their feelings to other turtles. They can use these methods of communication to ward off an enemy turtle invading their territory or show another turtle they appreciate them.
Words to know
Aggression: Hostile or violent behavior or attitudes toward another.
Bask: To lie exposed to warmth and light, typically from the sun.
Dominance: Power and influence over others.
Flirt: To behave as though attracted to someone.
Subtle: So delicate or precise as to be difficult to notice, analyze or describe.
Unlike other animals, turtles don't use vocalizations to attract a mate. In addition to not having vocal cords, turtles lack external ears, making vocalizations largely useless. Instead of calling to one another, turtles can feel vibrations through the water.
Underwater, some turtles shake their claws in front of a potential mate to show their interest. They will wave their claws to show authority over another male. They may flutter their claws, threatening an unwanted turtle in their territory. Turtles may also flirt with one another by squirting water toward a potential mate.
Turtles will also use their head and neck to communicate through body language. They will stretch their necks and bob their heads up and down to show they are interested in another turtle.
While some turtles frequently blink at each other to show affection, others may stare down another turtle — glaring to show aggression — like a silent argument. Do you have a friend or a family member you can communicate with just by looking at them a certain way? What can you “say” to them without using any words?
Standing on an overlook observing a pond, you might get lucky enough to witness turtles touching noses as a form of communication. Two turtles will swim toward one another, appearing to give each other a kiss. But don't confuse this physical contact for head butting — which is something enemy turtles do to one another to establish dominance. Turtles can also ram their shells together and even bite another turtle to show authority.
Pay close attention the next time you see a turtle. Are they simply basking in the sun or are they having a silent conversation using their body to communicate?
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