Do turtles sleep at night? Do they hibernate during the winter? The answers may surprise you.
There is no question Miss Virgil is among Blue Grotto’s most popular attractions. Visiting divers frequently tell us how much they love this adorable reptile. The more you understand turtle behavior, the more you will appreciate what makes Virgil special.
Yes, turtles sleep at night
Like most other creatures, turtles need rest. Virgil and her little buddy, Turbo, are no exception. So, yes, they sleep at night.
It’s important to understand that turtle sleep is not like human sleep. To start, there is the issue of breathing. Turtles cannot breathe water. When fully awake and active, they must surface periodically for air. Therefore, when you see either turtle head for the surface, it’s vital to let them go.
So how do Virgil and Turbo breathe when taking their nightly naps? They don’t. Turtles can slow their metabolism when resting to the point where they can go for extended periods without surfacing for air.
Many turtles have an adaptation that allows certain blood vessels to absorb oxygen from the surrounding water. Most of these blood vessels are concentrated in their hind quarters. So, yes, the rumor is true. Turtles can breathe through their butts. At least enough to help them stay down while sleeping.
Additionally, evidence suggests turtles are not entirely unconscious while “sleeping.” They maintain a certain level of awareness, although it’s hard to say just how much this is.
Where do Virgil and Turbo go when getting their beauty rest? We think we know, but we’re not telling. We want them to be able to rest undisturbed.
Do turtles hibernate in winter?
Technically, what turtles do is not called hibernation but brumation. What is the difference?
- Hibernating mammals continue to breathe normally. Turtles just hold their breath.
- Bears and similar mammals who hibernate are pretty much out of it, just as we are when we sleep. Turtles, on the other hand, appear to remain semi-conscious.
In areas where water freezes during the winter, turtles and other air-breathing animals can be trapped below the ice. This dictates when they must hibernate. Because Blue Grotto’s water is 72°F year-round, neither Virgil nor Turbo are subject to such constraints.
Virgil and Turbo will sometimes disappear for days, weeks or even months. Their longest absences usually occur during the summer, but there is no set pattern.
Would you like to know more?
The links below will take you to two of the web pages we consulted when preparing this article. It’s interesting stuff.