Chicken Turtle

Range

Found throughout the coastal southeastern United States, as far west as east Texas, north into southeast Missouri, all over Florida, and up the east coast to North Carolina.

Habitats

Semi-aquatic species that prefers still freshwater ponds, lakes, marshes, etc. They especially like areas with dense vegetation and soft substrate. Will burrow underground as deep as 2 meters when conditions become too dry.

Identification

Smooth, dark carapace with very faint orange reticulated pattern, separate from the scute pattern. Plastron is solid orange or yellow. Interface between carapace and plastron is mostly orange with irregular dark patches matching the color of the carapace. Underside color of carapace matches the plastron, and this orange or yellow color is present in a thin line around the edge of the carapace, as seen from above. Turtle's skin is dark green with yellow striping. Skin on throat and ventral neck has more yellow than green. There is a thick yellow stripe down the front of each leg. They have a relatively long neck compared to similar species, and grow to a length of 10-25 cm. Feet are webbed.

Learn more with Schechter Natural History's Guide to Reptiles and Amphibians