Body size and clutch size in the European pond turtle (Emys orbicularis) from central Italy

The reproductive biology and ecology of the European pond turtle Emys orbic ularis is little known, and available information was previously mainly ane cdotal. Morphological data on E. orbicularis are now well documented in mos t of the known distribution area. Body size in northern populations tends t o be larger than in southern populations. There are also indications that c lutch size may be larger in northern than in southern European pond turtle populations. Clutch size and reproductive status of a central Italy populat ion were detected by radiography and palpation, respectively, and comparati ve data were obtained by direct count of intact nest eggs. Reproductive fem ales averaged 13.9 cm and rarely exceeded 15.5 cm carapace length. They pro duced a dutch size of six, the same number found in intact nests. Nest egg- size averaged 32 mm in length. Egg number was positively associated with fe male body size, and especially with carapace height.