Chrysemys picta
The most common turtle in the eastern United States, they can often be found in calm waters or basking on nearby rocks or logs, often in large groups. They are named for and distinguished by their colorful markings.
What do painted turtles look like? They have dark shells about six inches long and a head, neck and limbs with red and yellow markings with two yellow spots on head distinguishing it from other turtle species. Females are larger than males.
Why are they called painted turtles? Because it looks like an artist painted on them with their plain shells but bright red and yellow markings.
Where can you find painted turtles? Throughout most of North America from coast to coast (although not Florida). Prefer quiet, shallow freshwater areas such as lakes and ponds or rivers and streams or canals.
What do they eat? Aquatic plants, insects, crayfish, snails, small fish tadpoles, mussles. They have to eat in the water, can’t eat on land because their tongue does not enable them to eat on land.
What are baby painted turtles called? Hatchlings
What does a painted turtle family look like? Typically the mommy turtle lays five or six eggs between May and July. Nests are usually located near water, although they may be as far as half a mile away. Once she lays the eggs and covers them with soil, the eggs are left to fend for themselves. The incubation period is 72 to 80 days, with the babies hatching in late August/early September, although they also can overwinter and emerge in the spring. When the young hatch, the hatchlings are on their own and seek water right away. Even at a year old, they are only about the size of a quarter. As adults, they do frequently bask in the sun in large groups.
How long do they live? 20 to 40 years
Do they hibernate? Yes, in winter they stay at the bottom of waterways, allowing their body temperature to cool and not eating. They can hold their breathe underwater for up to four months.
Are they nocturnal? They are diurnal, meaning they are out in the day. In the evening, they rest on the bottom of the water.
Are they endangered? No, they are of least concern, according to the IUCN Red List.
What else is interesting about painted turtles? The gender of a painted turtle is determined by the temperature of the nest; if it’s cooler, they are more likely to be males; warmer, females. Also, They carry the bacteria Salmonella in their guts, which can be harmful to humans.
Sightings