The loggerhead is a relatively easy turtle to identify. To begin with, the loggerhead has a reddish-brown upper shell and a dull brown to yellowish lower shell. The shells consist of an upper part, known as the carapace, and a lower section, called the plastron. Hard scales (or scutes) cover the shells, and the number and arrangement of these scutes are used to determine the species. The adult loggerhead weighs 200 to 350 pounds and lives in temperate and subtropical waters. Another important fact about this turtle is it is the most common sea turtle that nests on the shores of the United States. In addition to eating small fish, the loggerhead sea turtle feasts on shellfish, clams, horseshoe crabs, and mussels. Unfortunately, the loggerhead turtle is classified as threatened.
Which pattern is this?