reptile · GBIF taxon 2443133
Painted Turtle
Chrysemys pictaAlso known as Eastern Painted Turtle, Western Painted Turtle, Midland Painted Turtle
Painted turtles are colorful pond turtles easily recognized by the bright red and yellow stripes on their neck, legs, and shell margins. They spend hours basking on logs and rocks to regulate their body temperature, often stacking on top of one another to secure prime sunning spots. During harsh winters, they hibernate in the mud at the bottom of ponds, surviving for months without breathing oxygen through a remarkable anaerobic metabolism.
SemiaquaticColorfulDiurnal
- diet
- Omnivorous, feeding on aquatic plants, algae, insects, snails, tadpoles, and carrion
- family
- Emydidae
- threats
- Habitat loss, road mortality during nesting migrations, and nest predation by raccoons
- life Span
- 20 to 40 years in the wild
LC
Can deliver a sharp bite or scratch if handled; observe quietly from a distance.
- Basking observation: Use binoculars to watch them sunbathing on logs without startling them into the water.
- Road crossings: If helping one cross a road, always move it in the direction it was already heading.
- Handling caution: Avoid picking them up unless necessary, as they may scratch or secrete a musky odor.