Native Turtles In Pennsylvania
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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…
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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…
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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:…
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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….
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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:…
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Graptemys ouachitensis (Ouachita Map Turtle)
The Ouachita Map Turtle (Graptemys ouachitensis) is a freshwater turtle native to the central United States. Recognizable by the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell and distinctive yellow markings, this species thrives in rivers and streams with abundant basking sites. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Ouachita Map Turtle features a keeled carapace with…
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Graptemys geographica (Common Map Turtle)
Graptemys geographica, commonly known as the Common Map Turtle, is a freshwater turtle species native to North America. Renowned for the intricate, map-like patterns on its shell, this turtle is a captivating inhabitant of rivers and streams across the eastern United States and southeastern Canada. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Common Map Turtle…
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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…
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Glyptemys insculpta (Wood Turtle)
Glyptemys insculpta, commonly known as the Wood Turtle, is a semi-aquatic species native to North America. Renowned for its sturdy shell and distinctive markings, the Wood Turtle plays a crucial role in freshwater ecosystems. Despite its resilience, it faces numerous conservation challenges. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description The Wood Turtle has a high-domed, oval-shaped…
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Emydoidea blandingii (Blanding’s Turtle)
Emydoidea blandingii is a semi-aquatic freshwater turtle species known for its distinctive yellow chin and throat and its domed carapace. This species is primarily found in the Great Lakes region of North America and is notable for its long lifespan and preference for shallow water habitats. Scientific Classification Common Names Identification Description Blanding’s Turtle has…
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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…
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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…
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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…
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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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