Native Turtles In North Carolina

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Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

  • Pseudemys rubriventris (Northern Red-bellied Cooter)

    The Northern Red-bellied Cooter is a freshwater turtle known for its striking red plastron and smooth, dark carapace. It’s one of the largest native pond turtles in the northeastern United States and is especially notable for its endangered status in some regions. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: Pseudemys rubriventris Common Names…

  • Pseudemys floridana (Florida Cooter)

    Pseudemys floridana, known as the Florida cooter, is a large, freshwater turtle native to the southeastern United States. It’s known for its smooth, olive-brown shell and fast swimming abilities in rivers and ponds. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: P. floridana Common Names Florida CooterCoastal Plain Cooter Identification DescriptionFlorida cooters have a…

  • Pseudemys concinna (Eastern River Cooter)

    The Eastern River Cooter is a large, freshwater turtle commonly found in rivers and streams across the southeastern United States. It is known for its striking shell patterns and herbivorous diet, often seen basking on logs or rocks near water. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: PseudemysSpecies: Pseudemys concinna Common Names Eastern River…

  • Trachemys scripta elegans (Red Eared Slider)

    The red-eared slider is one of the most recognized freshwater turtles in the world. Its striking red stripe behind each eye makes it easy to spot. This turtle is popular in the pet trade and often seen basking on logs in ponds and lakes. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys scriptaSubspecies:…

  • Trachemys scripta scripta (Yellow-bellied slider)

    The yellow-bellied slider is a freshwater turtle found in the southeastern United States. It’s known for its bright yellow markings and strong swimming ability. This turtle is often seen basking on logs or rocks in ponds and slow-moving rivers. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys scriptaSubspecies: Trachemys scripta scripta Common Names…

  • Trachemys grayi (Gray’s Slider)

    Trachemys grayi, also known as Gray’s Slider, is a freshwater turtle found primarily in Central America. It’s closely related to the more well-known Red-Eared Slider and shares many of its behaviors but is geographically more restricted. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TrachemysSpecies: Trachemys grayi Common Names Gray’s SliderMesoamerican Slider Identification DescriptionGray’s Slider…

  • Terrapene carolina carolina (Eastern Box Turtle)

    The Eastern Box Turtle (Terrapene carolina carolina) is a small, terrestrial turtle known for its high-domed shell and ability to close itself completely using a hinged plastron. Native to the eastern United States, it is a long-lived species often found in forests and grasslands, where it thrives in humid environments. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…

  • Terrapene carolina (Common Box Turtle)

    Terrapene carolina, commonly known as the Common Box Turtle, is a terrestrial species native to North America. Recognized for its domed shell and hinged plastron, it can completely close itself inside for protection. This turtle is known for its long lifespan, sometimes exceeding 100 years. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: TerrapeneSpecies: T….

  • Sternotherus odoratus (eastern musk turtle)

    Sternotherus odoratus, known as the eastern musk turtle, is a small aquatic turtle found in eastern North America. It’s famous for the strong, foul odor it releases when threatened, which led to its nickname “stinkpot.” This hardy species thrives in various freshwater habitats and is known for its secretive nature. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass:…

  • Malaclemys terrapin (Diamondback Terrapin)

    Malaclemys terrapin, commonly known as the Diamondback Terrapin, is a brackish water turtle native to the coastal regions of the United States. Known for its unique diamond-patterned carapace, this species thrives in marshy habitats and plays a vital ecological role. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: EmydidaeGenus: MalaclemysSpecies: M. terrapin Common Names Diamondback TerrapinSaltwater…

  • Kinosternon subrubrum (Eastern Mud Turtle)

    The Eastern Mud Turtle (Kinosternon subrubrum) is a small, semi-aquatic turtle known for its adaptability and inconspicuous nature. Its unassuming shell and secretive behavior make it a fascinating species native to the southeastern United States. Scientific Classification Kingdom: AnimaliaPhylum: ChordataClass: ReptiliaOrder: TestudinesFamily: KinosternidaeGenus: KinosternonSpecies: subrubrum Common Names Eastern Mud Turtle, Common Mud Turtle Identification DescriptionEastern…

  • Kinosternon baurii (Striped Mud Turtle)

    Kinosternon baurii, commonly known as the Striped Mud Turtle, is a small aquatic turtle native to the southeastern United States. Recognizable by the three distinct stripes running along its carapace, this species thrives in freshwater habitats like ponds, marshes, and slow-moving streams. Its unique adaptations make it a fascinating subject for both herpetologists and nature…

  • Glyptemys muhlenbergii (Bog Turtle)

    The Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is one of North America’s smallest and most endangered turtle species. Renowned for its distinctive markings and elusive nature, this turtle plays a crucial role in wetland ecosystems. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Bog Turtle is a small, semi-aquatic turtle, typically measuring 4 to 5 inches in shell…

  • Deirochelys reticularia (Chicken Turtle)

    Deirochelys reticularia is commonly known as the chicken turtle due to its long neck resembling that of a chicken. It’s a semi-aquatic species, often found in slow-moving waters and known for its distinctive reticulated shell pattern, which is where it gets its scientific name. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat…

  • Chelydra serpentina (Common Snapping Turtle)

    Chelydra serpentina, commonly known as the common snapping turtle, is a large freshwater turtle native to North America. This species is known for its powerful jaws and aggressive behavior when out of the water, although it prefers to avoid confrontation in its natural habitat. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The common snapping turtle has…

  • Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)

    Clemmys guttata, commonly known as the spotted turtle, is a small, semi-aquatic turtle that is easily recognizable by its distinctive yellow spots against a dark carapace. This species is known for its gentle disposition and striking appearance. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Spotted turtles prefer shallow, muddy-bottomed water bodies…

  • Chrysemys picta (Painted Turtle)

    Chrysemys Picta, commonly known as the painted turtle, is renowned for its strikingly colorful markings on its extremities, neck, and shell. These turtles are small to medium in size and are one of the most widely distributed turtle species in North America. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native Origin and Distribution Preferred Habitat Painted turtles…

  • Caretta caretta (Loggerhead sea turtle)

    The Caretta caretta, commonly known as the loggerhead sea turtle, is a marine species notable for its large head and robust body. As one of the ocean’s most migratory creatures, these turtles play a crucial role in marine ecosystems, primarily through their influence on other species and their habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Native…

  • Apalone spinifera (Spiny softshell turtle)

    Apalone spinifera, commonly known as the spiny softshell turtle, is a unique species of softshell turtle that is notable for its leathery carapace and spiny projections along the front edge. This turtle is adapted to a life predominantly in water, displaying a streamlined body for efficient swimming. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Apalone spinifera…

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