Range
Range includes central Canada into north-central United States. From Northern Territories south to South Dakota, Manitoba west to Alberta.
Habitats
Terrestrial. Found in praires and wetlands near lakes, ponds, and slow moving streams. During torpor, burrows under soft soil near water.
Juveniles aquatic from hatching to metamorphosis.
Identification
Adult length averages 3 inches, females being larger than males. Brown color with yellowish line running down dorsal median, flanked by two to three rows of brown spots on each side. Spots have raised, reddish bumps in the center. Distinguished from similar species by fused cranial crests that form a hump between eyes.
Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians