Spotted Turtle- Clemmys guttata

Identification

  • 3.5-4.5 inches

  • Black carapace with varying numbers of distinct yellow spots. Hatchlings often have just one spot per scute.

Habitat: Marshy meadows, bogs, swamps, and other shallow water bodies. The Spotted Turtle is a vernal pool facultative species, using those pools at optimal times of the year. It moves between wetlands and upland habitats on an annual basis.

Threats: nest predation, cars, habitat fragmentation, poaching for pet trade.

Conservation Status: recently de-listed as Species of Concern, pending more data

Common Musk Turtle- Sternotherus odoratus

Identification

  • 2.0-4.5 inches

  • Two light yellow stripes on each side os head

  • Small barbels under chin and on throat

  • Carapace dark and often coated with algae

  • Plastron small with single hinge

  • Often emits foul scent when disturbed

Habitat: Calm or slow moving water with soft bottom. More common where there is abundant aquatic vegetation. Sometimes seen prowling along bottom.

Threats: Nest predation, cars, and to some extent being killed by fisherman.

Conservation Status: Common.

 

Snapping Turtle-  Chelydra serpentina

Identification:

  • 8-14 inches

  • Long tail which is saw-toothed along top

  • Large Head

  • Carapace dark gray to black

  • Rear edge of carapace serrated

  • Small plaston

  • Hatchlings closely resemble adults

Habitat: Snapping turtles prefer calm ponds and lakes with soft bottoms. They will even enter brackish areas for short periods.

Threats: Nest predation by racoons and other predators, cars

Conservation Status:  stable

Eastern Painted Turtle- Chrysemys picta picta

Introduction:

  • 4.5-6.0 inches

  • Two long yellow spots each side of head

  • Buffered black shell with olive semas between carapae scutes

  • Red stripping on legs

  • Adult males have long front nails

  • Red markings along perimeter of carapace, top and bottom

Habitat: Calm water with soft bottom. Prefers heavy aquatic vegetation and abundant basking areas. This is the most commonly spotted basking turtle

Threats: Nest predation, cars

Conservation Status:  Common