Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
As its’ name suggests, the Painted Turtle has a brightly colored shell that’s 3.5 to almost 10 inches long. The upper part of this shell is relatively flat, and features…
How to identify
As its’ name suggests, the Painted Turtle has a brightly colored shell that’s 3.5 to almost 10 inches long. The upper part of this shell is relatively flat, and features red and yellow markings on a black or greenish-brown background.
Range
Although more populous along the eastern seaboard, painted turtles can be found across the whole United States. They’re rarest in the southwest, where preferred habitats are scarce
Habitat
Painted Turtles are not picky. They like lakes, rivers, streams and ponds; anywhere with fresh water and a thick layer of mud.
Variations
Females are larger than the males and take longer to mature, a common incongruity in nature called sexual dimorphism.
Similar species
Name and etymology
Picta: Latin for painted.
More illustrations
Midland Painted Turtle
Eastern Painted Turtle
At a glance
Size
90 to 250 mm
Range
Although more populous along the eastern seaboard, painted turtles can be found across the whole United States. They’re rares…
Habitat
Painted Turtles are not picky. They like lakes, rivers, streams and ponds; anywhere with fresh water and a thick layer of mud…
Range map
Approximate range. © Mapbox © OpenStreetMap