Some of my turtle jewelry was based on the gopher tortoise we have here in Florida. We see them lumbering along almost every time we take off on an afternoon hike. They are big charcoal grey turtles that have a real penchant for digging, hence the name.
Turtles are, of course, reptiles. The turtles and tortoises make up ½ of this large and diverse group of animals. The other half consists of lizards, snakes and crocodilians.
All modern reptiles have to regulate their body temperature by outside factors. However, there is a pretty well thought out theory that at least some of the dinosaurs were warm blooded, and their direct descendents are the birds! This makes sense to me. Sometimes a flock of birds crossing a lawn, especially long legged shore birds, has a certain raptor like look about them. But I digress…
Have you ever seen a photo of a radiated tortoise? It comes from Madagascar (makes sense- so many gorgeous and unusual animals are from there it seems.) and is really stunning- dark with yellow triangular patterns radiating across the shell. Every time I leaf through my favorite reptile book, that one always catches my eye.
I have a pretty good selection of turtle designs- just be sure you allow enough time when you order something in gold. My goldsmith makes gold items individually when I receive the order, so usually 5 or so weeks are needed for delivery. |
