History and origin
The Spanish Terrapin was first described by Schweigger in 1812, the scientific name of this species is Mauremys leprosa. Mauremys from Greek meaning "Mauritanian" and "Terrapin". Leprosa comes from Greek and means "leprosy" Schweigger first examined old specimens which had infected structures on the scales making him think that the animals were infected with leprosy.

Characteristics
They are one of the larger Mauremys species.

Description
=Size=
Their eggs are about 35 mm by 21 mm in size. The young hatch out measuring around 32 mm long. They will grow up to 250 mm long in their 20 year life.
=Morphology=
Their shell is quite flat, and oval. The edges of the shell are smooth and have no spikes or teeth.
=Patterns & colours=
Their colours range from orange-brown to olive, the young also have small orange or yellow markings on every scale. Their plastron is yellow with a dark patch sometimes with a light line running down the middle. Their head resembles American terrapins with a light pattern running from the neck to the tympan. The young have a bluish back colour on their skin.

Geographical range
In France they are only fond in the southernmost department called the Pyrénées Orientales, and within that range they can only be the Albères region.

Subspecies
In Europe this species has no sub-species. Their sub-species are all found in Morocco, and they are distinguished only by very small morphological variations. These sub-species are: M. l. atlantica, M. l. erhardi, M. l. saharica, M. l. marokkensis, M. l. vanmeerhaeghei, M. l. wernerkaestlei and M. l. zizi.

Sexual differences
None.

Seasonal variations
None.

Diet
They feed on small fish, amphibians, tadpoles and insects. They sometimes feed on reeds and other plants.

Defensive habits
They will dive into the water and hide in the vegetation or in the mud.

Reproduction
Breeding occurs in March or April, this happens under the water. The mating is fast and they do a simple ritual, the male moves around the females head while he also stretches his legs. The females can lay up to 3 clutches a year, the eggs are laid only a few meters away form the water in a dry place. The eggs hatch after approximately 60 days.

Sexual maturity, life span
The average life span for Mauremys leprosa is about 20 years, the males reach their sexual maturity in their seventh year whereas the females are mature in around their tenth year.

Habits
They are very secretive, they enjoy sunbathing on the banks but are always on guard and dive when alerted.

Habitat
They enjoy water holes with a clay floor, usually with a lot vegetation debris. Their habitat is usually stagnant water. They are very tolerant to pollution and may withstand very polluted water.

Predators
Their only threat is loss of habitat.