AN exotic reptile more normally found in the tropical climes of South America has been spotted in the River Tamar. The red-eared terrapin, thought to be a dumped pet, was seen in the chilly waters of the Tamar near Launceston. It normally prefers to live in temperatures around 23C. The terrapin, which feeds on fish, vegetation and insects, was spotted by a member of the public who reported it to the Environment Agency. The reptile is distinctive due to the red stripe along the side of its head. The sighting was passed on to the RSPCA but a spokesman has said the charity will not try to find the terrapin as it is believed it should be able to fend for itself, burying itself deep in the riverbed to hibernate.