Family: Emydidae, Pond and Box Turtles view all from this family

Description Gray to black. Carapace is smooth, does not have a central ridge running down the keel. It is also totally black and contains anywhere from zero to about one hundred yellow spots, which are a defining characteristic of this turtle. Although perhaps inconsequential, it has been found that the left side of the upper shell has more spots than the right. Spots can always be found on the head, neck, and limbs. Darken with age. Brown eyes on males.

Dimensions 8-12.7cm. (3 1/2-5")

Breeding March-May. Nests in June. Flask shaped cavity dug in a sunny areas. Normally 3-5, sometimes up to 8 eggs, laid. 33mm (1 1/4") long. hatch August/September. Stay in nest until spring.

Habitat Flooded forests, marshes, wet meadows, bogs and woodland streams

Range Southern Canada (Ontario) and the Eastern U.S.: the eastern Great Lakes and east of the Appalachian Mountains

Discussion Bask in spring. Often hidden in summer under vegetation. Hides in muskrat burrows, debris and mud underwater over winter.