Description of the Kemp’s Ridley Turtle
(Lepidochelys kempii)
![lk-return-to-the-sea1-c-usnps-pais](https://widecast.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lk-return-to-the-sea1-c-USNPS-PAIS-300x231.jpg)
*source: Pritchard & Mortimier (1999)
![lk-nesting2-c-usnps-pais](https://widecast.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lk-nesting2-c-USNPS-PAIS-300x239.jpg)
Relatively large, subtriangular with convex sides; width to 13 cm; two pairs of prefrontal scales.
![lk-nesting-approach-c-usnps-paislarge](https://widecast.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/Lk-nesting-approach-c-USNPS-PAISlarge-1-300x200.jpg)
Relatively short and wide, almost circular (wider in adults than that of L. olivacea); modest marginal serration or scalloping; high vertebral projections in juveniles, but carapace smooth and low in adults; carapace scutes slightly overlapping in immatures, and non-overlapping in adults; five pairs of costal scutes; straight carapace length (SCL) to 72 cm.
![taxlk-lk-nesting1-c-usnps-pais](https://widecast.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/11/TAXLK-Lk-nesting1-c-USNPS-PAIS-300x239.jpg)
A distinct, small pore near rear margin of each of the four inframarginal scutes.