Leatherback Sea Turtle

The leatherback sea turtle is the largest living turtle and is named for its leathery skin. The leatherback is found farther north and south than other sea turtles because it can maintain its body temperature well above that of the water due to its large size and muscular activity. The turtle is blackish or blue-black, and females have a pink spot on the top of their heads. The male spends its adult life in the sea; the female emerges only to lay eggs on beaches. The leatherback is not edible, but its eggs are, which has caused this turtle to become endangered.