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Muhlenberg's Turtle
- Colouration
- Carapace black or dull brown, with dull yellowish or reddish markings in the centre of each of the larger shields. These markings look like the outlines of a drop of fluid that has fallen from some height and splashed irregularly in all directions. The plastron is black with yellow blotches.
- Dimensions
- -
- Distribution
- Restricted to the southern portion of New York state, New Jersey generally, and eastern Pennsylvania. It is very rare in some localities and fairly abundant in others. The writer has captured several specimens on the palisades of the Hudson River and received several dozen specimens from Staten Island, New York.
- Habits
- In habits Muhlenberg's Turtle occupies a position midway between the spotted turtle and the wood terrapin--one quite aquatic; the other addicted to roaming over swampy areas. Mulenberg's Turtle is partial to clear, narrow streams, which spread at intervals, forming marshy patches. All of the specimens taken by the writer were discovered in the latter situations. When alarmed, the reptile makes for the water and endeavours to secrete itself in the aquatic vegetation. Its movements are not very quick and it is readily captured. Unlike the spotted turtle it feeds as readily out of the water as it does beneath the surface. In this respect it appeals to the wood terrapin, and like that species feeds largely upon tender green food, insects and worms. As a captive it is hardy, taking chopped meat, earthworms, mealworms, lettuce and berries.
Carapace very similar to that of the preceding, but narrower, and showing fine, concentric grooves on small specimens and young adults.
The head is black, with a large patch of brilliant orange-yellow on each temple.
The higher and narrower carapace, the absence of yellow dots, and the presence of the large and brilliant orange blotches on the temples, at once distinguish this species from the Spotted Turtle.
Length of Carapace . . . . . 4 inches.
Width of Carapace . . . . . 2 5/8 inches.
Length of Plastron . . . . . 3 1/2 inches.
Width, Flat Portion, Plastron . . . . . 1 7/8 inches.
Length of Tail (Male) . . . . . 1 3/4 inches.
Width of Head . . . . . 3/4 inches.