E. trinacris is a small turtle. Maximum straight carapace length is 14.5 cm (5.7 in). The features of the turtle can vary depending on its location. This is because of a disruption in the gene flow caused by human activities like industrialization. Since there are obstacles in the way like roads and buildings, migrating to different groups is more difficult for the turtles. E. trinacris differs from E. orbicularis by its distinct mitochondrial DNA.[3]
Fritz, U., D’Angelo, S., Pennisi, M. G., & Valvo, M. L. (2006). Variation of Sicilian pond turtles, Emys trinacris – What makes a species cryptic? Amphibia-Reptilia, 27(4), 513–529. https://doi.org/10.1163/156853806778877095
Iannella, M., Cerasoli, F., D’Alessandro, P., Console, G., & Biondi, M. (2018). Coupling GIS spatial analysis and Ensemble Niche Modelling to investigate climate change-related threats to the Sicilian pond turtle Emys trinacris, an endangered species from the Mediterranean. PeerJ, 6, e4969. https://doi.org/10.7717/peerj.4969
Vecchioni, L., Marrone, F., Arculeo, M., Fritz, U., & Vamberger, M. (2020). Stand out from the Crowd: Small-Scale Genetic Structuring in the Endemic Sicilian Pond Turtle. Diversity, 12(9), 343. https://doi.org/10.3390/d12090343
Fritz, Uwe; Fattizzo, Tiziano; Guicking, Daniela; Tripepi, Sandro; Pennisi, Maria Grazia; Lenk, Peter; Joger, Ulrich; Wink, Michael (2005). "A new cryptic species of pond turtle from southern Italy, the hottest spot in the range of the genus Emys (Reptilia, Testudines, Emydidae)". Zoologica Scripta34 (4): 351–371. (Emys trinacris, new species).
