Alternate name: Northern Red-bellied Turtle, Plymouth Red-bellied Turtle

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

Description 10-15 3/4" (25.4-40 cm). Carapace brown to black with flattened or slightly concave vertebral scutes; red bar on each marginal scute. Prominent notch at tip of upper jaw flanked by toothlike cusps; arrow-shaped stripe runs atop head, between eyes, to snout. Plastron reddish; dark markings along scute seams fade with age. Male has elongated, straight claws on front feet.

Endangered Status The Plymouth Red-bellied Turtle, a population of the Eastern Red-bellied Turtle (sometimes known as P. r. bangsi), is on the U.S. Endangered Species List. It is classified as endangered throughout its range in Massachusetts. Plymouth Red-bellied Turtles are very vulnerable to predation when young. Skunks, raccoons, birds, and fish eat the eggs and/or the hatchlings. The population of these turtles was reduced to between 200 and 300 individuals in the 1980s. Currently, measures are being taken to preserve the turtle’s habitat and protect the nests. Several “head start” programs are in place in Massachusetts to help raise hatchlings until they are big enough to survive on their own.

Breeding Nests June to July. Lays 8-20 elliptical eggs, 1 3/8" (35 mm) long, in 4" (10.2 cm) cavity. Hatchlings emerge in 10-15 weeks, may overwinter in nest.

Habitat Deep ponds, lakes, streams and rivers and brackish marshes. In New England, restricted to deep ponds and lakes.

Range Mid-Atlantic coastal plain from s. New Jersey to ne. North Carolina, and west in the Potomac River. Isolated population in Plymouth County and Naushon Island, Massachusetts.

Discussion Shy and difficult to approach, Red-bellies prefer basking sites near deep water. They feed on snails, crayfish, tadpoles, and aquatic vegetation. Draining of wetlands and overcollection threaten their survival in many areas.