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Spotted Turtle
- Colouration
- Upper shell black, with numerous, irregularly scattered, round, yellow spots. The plastron and lower margin of the carapace are black, with patches of faded yellow.
- Dimensions
- The following measurements represent an average-sized specimen:
- Distribution
- An abundant species in the Eastern States, ranging from Maine (inclusive) to northern North Carolina and westward to Indiana.
- Habits
- The familiar Spotted Turtle is one of the most aquatic species of its genus. It is common about ponds, marshes and small streams, where numerous specimens may be seen, sociably assembled on a floating log or other objects that protrude above the water, whence there is an undignified tumble and dive for safety upon the slightest disturbance. The writer has found many specimens along brooks that here and there spread into thick grassy spots. It is in this water-grass that the turtles delight to hide, after feeding. The species always feeds under water and, in fact, appears to be unable to swallow unless the head is submerged. The food consists largely of dead fish and the larvae of aquatic insects. Captive specimens will eat the tender leaves of lettuce if these be thrown upon the surface of their tank. It therefore appears probable that they feed upon various water plants as well, while in a wild condition.
Carapace smooth, quite flat and oval in outline. The edges are evenly rounded with no indications of serrations. An adult specimen is from three to four inches long. The feet are sparsely webbed; the upper jaw deeply notched.
Above, the head is black, with a few yellow spots in front and a larger spot, of a deeper yellow (orange) over the region of the ear. Lower surfaces of the limbs and the fleshy parts, pale salmon.
Length of Carapace . . . . . 3 7/8 inches.
Width of Carapace . . . . . 2 7/8 inches.
Length of Plastron . . . . . 3 1/2 inches.
Width, Flat Portion, Plastron . . . . . 2 1/8 inches.
Width of Head . . . . . 3/4 inches.
Male specimens have a much longer tail than the other sex. The tail of a male individual with upper shell slightly under 4 inches long, shows a length of 1 7/8 inches; the tail of a female specimen of the same length, is but 3/4 of an inch long.