200+ List Of Native Turtles Throughout USA [By State]
fact checked & review by
Dr. Partho Kumar Shaha
Veterinarian (DVM)
The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.
The USA has a wider variety of turtles than any other place in the world. The wildlife authorities have ensured everything to protect these reptiles and, at the same time, encouraged the public to learn more about these creatures.
The 15 leading states of the USA include hundreds of turtle species. The most common and popular turtle species are,
- Box turtle
- Bog turtle
- Wood turtle
- Spotted turtle
- Painted turtle
- Slider
- Cooter
- Diamondback terrapin
- Map turtle
- Musk turtle
- Mud turtle
- Snapping turtle
- Softshell turtle
- Sea turtles, etc.
If you are a turtle lover and looking forward to starting your journey as a keeper, this article is the first thing you should read. Without the primary knowledge about the turtle’s native home, habitat and lifestyle, you can not do a good job. The following article includes the native turtle lists per the state and the turtle’s profile.
So, let’s start.
Native Turtles Of New York
The state of New York is famous for turtles. The state has 20 different turtle species, including sea turtles, painted turtles, softshell turtles, box turtles, bog turtles, etc.
Here is the list of New York Native turtles,
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Bog Turtle
- Wood Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Common Map TurtleÂ
- Northern Diamondback Terrapin
- Eastern Redbelly Cooter
- Yellow Bellied Slider
- Red Eared Slider
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Blanding’s Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Atlantic Ridley Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Texas
Texas has 29 different turtle species. Among them, the box turtles, map turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles, sliders, softshell turtles, and sea turtles are quite popular.
Here is the complete list of Texas native turtles,
- Ornate Box Turtle
- Desert Box Turtle
- Three Toed Box Turtle
- Chicken Turtle
- Missouri River Cooter
- Rio Grande Cooter
- Texas River Cooter
- Cagle’s Map Turtle
- Mississippi Map Turtle
- Ouachita Map Turtle
- Sabine Map Turtle
- Texas Map Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Rough Foot Mud Turtle
- Yellow Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Razorback Musk Turtle
- Big Bend Slider
- Red Eared Slider
- Painted Turtles
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Texas Diamondback Terrapin
- Green Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of New Jersey
There are 18 turtle species in New Jersey. Such as bog turtle, box turtle, cooter, painted turtle, map turtle, mud turtle, musk turtle, wood turtle, sea turtle, etc.
Here is the complete list of New Jersey native turtles,
- Bog turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Northern Red Bellied Cooter
- Northern Diamondback Terrapin
- Northern Map Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Eastern Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Wood Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
- Atlantic Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Atlantic Green Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Florida
The state of Florida has 30 different turtle species. Such as box turtles, chicken turtles, cooters, terrapins, sliders, painted turtles, mud turtles, map turtles, sea turtles, etc.
Here is the complete list of Florida native turtles,
- Chicken Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Yellow Bellied Slider
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Florida Box Turtle
- Gulf Coast Box Turtle
- Three Toed Box Turtle
- Eastern River Cooter
- Florida Red Bellied Cooter
- Peninsula Cooter
- Diamondback Terrapin
- Barbour’s Map Turtle
- False Map Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Florida Mud Turtle
- Striped Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Loggerhead Musk Turtle
- Southern Painted Turtle
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Florida Softshell Turtle
- Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell Turtle
- Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Georgia
Georgia has diversity in turtles. The state has 39 different turtle species which is more than any other state. Some prominent turtles in the state are, bog turtle, snapping turtle, softshell turtle, chicken turtle, painted turtle, slider, mud turtle, map turtle, musk turtle, cooter, terrapin, sea turtle, etc.
Here is the complete list of Georgia native turtles,
- Bog Turtle
- Florida Softshell Turtle
- Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Eastern Painted Turtle
- Western Painted Turtle
- Southern Painted Turtle
- Midland Painted Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Eastern Chicken Turtle
- Florida Chicken Turtle
- Western Chicken Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Florida Mud Turtle
- Mississippi Mud Turtle
- Barbour’s Map Turtle
- Common Map Turtle
- Alabama Map Turtle
- Three Striped Mud Turtle
- Diamondback Terrapin
- Eastern RIver Cooter
- Florida Cooter
- Florida Red Bellied Cooter
- Loggerhead Musk Turtle
- Stripe Neck Musk Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Gulf Coast Box Turtle
- Three Toed Box Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Florida Box Turtle
- Cumberland Slider
- Yellow Bellied Slider
- Red Eared Slider
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of California
You will find 10 different turtle species in California. Such as pond turtles, softshell turtles, snapping turtles, painted turtles, sliders, and sea turtles.
Here is the complete list of California native turtles,
- Western Pond Turtle
- Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Western Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Green Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Oregon
The state of Oregon has 7 native turtles. Some are pond turtles, painted turtles, snapping turtles, sliders, and sea turtles.
Here is the complete list of Oregon native turtles,
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Western Pond Turtle
- Western Painted Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Washington State
Washington State has 9 types of turtles, Such as painted turtles, pond turtles, snapping turtles, softshell turtles, and sea turtles.
Here is the complete list of Washington state native turtles,
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Western Painted Turtle
- Western Pond Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Pennsylvania
Pennslyvania State has 15 different turtle species. Such as, Blanding’s turtles, bog turtles, box turtles, sliders, map turtles, painted turtles, map turtles, softshell turtles, wood turtles, etc.
Here is the complete list of Pennslyvania native turtles,
- Blanding’s Turtle
- Bog Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Northern Red Bellied Cooter
- Northern Map Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Eastern Musk Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
- Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Wood Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Yellow Bellied Slider
Native Turtles Of North Carolina
North Carolina has 22 different kinds of turtle species. Besides sea turtles, the state has turtles like bog turtles, box turtles, mud turtles, spotted turtles, sliders, cooters, etc.
Here is the complete list of North Carolina native turtles,
- Bog Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Eastern Chicken Turtle
- Eastern River Cooter
- Florida Cooter
- Northern Red Bellied Cooter
- Diamondback Terrapin
- Striped Mud Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Striped Neck Musk Turtle
- Eastern Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Yellow Bellied Slider
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley’s Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of South Carolina
The state of South Carolina has 19 native turtles. Such as bog turtles, box turtles, cooters, softshell turtles, terrapins, mud turtles, musk turtles, painted turtles, sea turtles, etc.
Here is the complete list of South Carolina native turtles,
- Bog Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Chicken Turtle
- Eastern River Cooter
- Florida Cooter
- Diamondback Terrapin
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Striped Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Eastern Painted Turtle
- Yellow Bellied Slider
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Florida Softshell Turtle
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Green Sea Turtle
- Hawksbill Sea Turtle
- Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle
- Leatherback Sea Turtle
- Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Native Turtles Of Michigan
Michigan State has 10 native turtle species. Such as Blanding’s turtle, map turtles, musk turtles, snapping turtles, painted turtles, wood turtles, spotted turtles, box turtles, etc.
Here is the complete list of Michigan native turtles,
- Blanding’s Turtle
- Common Map Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Eastern Box Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Spotted Turtle
- Wood Turtle
Turtle Kentucky
Kentucky State has 13 native turtle species. Such as, softshell turtles, snapping turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles, map turtles, painted turtles, sliders, and box turtles.
Here is the complete list of Kentucky native turtles,
- Smooth Softshell Turtle
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Eastern Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Midland Painted Turtle
- Common Map Turtle
- Ouachita Map Turtle
- False Map Turtle
- Eastern River Cooter
- Red Eared Slider
- Eastern Box Turtle
Turtles Of Oklahoma
Oklahoma State has 17 native turtles. Such as box turtles, chicken turtles, cooters, map turtles, mud turtles, musk turtles, sliders, snapping turtles, and softshell turtles.
Here is the complete list of Oklahoma native turtles,
- Ornate Box Turtle
- Three Toed Box Turtle
- Western Chicken Turtle
- Eastern River Cooter
- Common Map Turtle
- Mississippi Map Turtle
- Ouachita Map Turtle
- Mississippi Mud Turtle
- Yellow Mud Turtle
- Common Musk Turtle
- Razorback Musk Turtle
- Painted Turtle
- Red Eared Slider
- Alligator Snapping Turtle
- Common Snapping Turtle
- Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
- Spiny Softshell Turtle
Snapping Turtle
Common Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelydra s. serpentina
Average Size: 8 – 20 inches
Average Lifespan: 50 – 75 years
Habitat: River, marshes, lakes, shallow ponds, streams, etc.
Diet: Fish, dead animals. Insects, worms, small mammals, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: You can easily spot a common snapping turtle by its monstrous appearance. The creature has a massive head, razor-like bead, long saw-toothed tail, keels on the shell, and stocky legs with large claws.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $20 – $40
Alligator Snapping Turtle
Scientific Name: Macroclemys Temmincki
Average Size: 15 – 26 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 70 years
Habitat: Deep water bodies
Diet: Fish, frog, mice, etc.
Physical Appearance: You will know once you spot an alligator snapping turtle. The creature looks like a beast. It has sharp jaws, a razor-like beak and an overall gray shade on its body.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $25 – $100
Get the care sheet and all information on snapping turtles from this link.
Musk Turtle
Common Musk Turtle
Scientific Name: Sternotherus odoratus
Average Size: 3 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 50 years
Habitat: Permanent and slow-moving water bodies like rivers, ponds, streams, clean water lakes, etc.
Diet: Insect, amphibians, worms, small mammals, greens, etc.
Physical Appearance: Musk turtles have an unmarked carapace ranging from black, dark brown to gray-green. These turtles have dark pointy heads with two yellow stripes running on them. The fleshy barbels on the chin help the species release a foul odor to defend the enemies.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $20 – $100
Razorback Musk Turtle
Scientific Name: Sternotherus Carinatus
Average Size: 5 – 6 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 20 years
Habitat: Swamps and slow-moving water bodies with vegetation
Diet: Shellfish, mollusk, crustaceans, etc.
Physical Appearance: Razor-like hump on the back is why this species is called a razor-back musk turtle. The carapace of these turtles is brown to olive, and the skin is gray with black dots.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $60 – $500
Loggerhead Musk Turtle
Scientific Name: Sternotherus minor
Average Size: 3 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: 20 years
Habitat: Snags, shallow areas, lakes, ponds, etc.
Diet: Worm, mollusk, insect, pellets, leafy veggies, etc.
Physical Appearance: Of course, these fellow musk turtles have large heads. Also, they have grey skin with black speckles and a light brown shell with keels running at the centre.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $100 – $250
Stripe Neck Musk Turtle
Scientific Name: Sternotherus Minor Peltifer
Average Size: 3 – 4 inches
Average Lifespan: Around 20 years
Habitat: Wetlands, creeks, springs, ponds, lakes, etc.
Diet: Beetles, flies, dead fish, clams, algae, etc.
Physical Appearance: Brown to dark olive, strongly arched shell is a noticeable physical characteristic of the stripe neck musk turtles. The plastron of these turtles is yellow. Both the upper and lower shells can be randomly spotted or spotless.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Beginner
Catch more detail on musk turtles from these articles.
Mud Turtle
Eastern Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon s. Subrubrum
Average Size: 3 – 7 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Shallow and slow-moving clean bogs, marshes, rivers, and swamps
Diet: Small fish, mollusk, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The common musk turtles are plain looking. Their carapace is kind of flat, and color ranges from yellow to black, and patternless. The heads of the species can be white to yellow.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $30 – $200
Rough Footed Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon Hirtipes
Average Size: 5 – 7.5 inches
Average Lifespan: 20 – 50 years
Habitat: Mountain streams, low lakes, etc.
Diet: Fish, mollusk, insects, algae, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: Like all mud turtles, the rough footed ones also have short and fleshy barbels on their chin. The carapace of these turtles is brown or olive, but the skin and the plastron are the same color.
Conservation Status: Threatened
Care Level: Beginner
Yellow Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon Flavescens Flavescens
Average Size: 3 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 40 years
Habitat: Ponds, rivers, marshes, water-filled ditches, sloughs, lakes, flooded fields, etc.
Diet: Crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: The name of these turtles came from the yellowish appearance around their faces and the yellow plastron. The carapaces of the species are olive and have no distinct markings.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $35 – $300
Striped Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon baurii
Average Size: 4 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Brackish water sources like swamps, wetlands, etc.
Diet: Leafy green, insect, worm, etc.
Physical Appearance: The oval shaped shells of the striped mud turtles are dark brown and have yellow stripes.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $75 – $450
Florida Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon subrubrum steindachneri
Average Size: 2.5 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: 20 years
Habitat: River, swamps, and other slow-moving water bodies
Diet: Worm, commercial pellets, dark leafy vegetables, etc.
Physical Appearance: Unmarked oval shells and bright stripes at the back of the eyes are noticeable features of Florida mud turtles.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $100 – $300
Mississippi Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon Subrubrum Hippocrepis
Average Size: 3 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 30 years
Habitat: Shallow water bodies
Diet: Snail, shrimp, fish, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Mississippi mud turtles have brown or dark carapace and yellow plastron with brown spots. Besides, yellow stripes run along their heads and necks.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate
Three Striped Mud Turtle
Scientific Name: Kinosternon Baurii
Average Size: 4 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 50 years
Habitat: Stream, canal, ditch, pond, swamp, etc.
Diet: Cabbage, algae, seed, insect, worm, etc.
Physical Appearance: Laterally running three stripes along the length of the carapace is the differentiator feature of this species. The plastron of these turtles is of olive to yellow color and has two hinges.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $60 – $120
Spotted Turtle
Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
Average Size: 3 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 150 years
Habitat: Bogs, swamps, shallow water bodies, marshes, wet meadows, streams, lakes, etc.
Diet: Crustaceans, insects, mollusks, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The spotted turtles have a beautiful dark shell covered with white or yellow synchronized dots. The plastrons of these turtles are usually yellow with black patches.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $75 – $500
Bog Turtle
Scientific Name: Clemmys muhlenbergii
Average Size: 3 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 40 years
Habitat: Mountains, wetlands with thick layers of grass or weeds and mud, wet meadows, etc.
Diet: Insect, fish, worms, vegetables, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The bog turtles have a dark olive or brown shell with keels running down the center. Their scutes might carry yellow or red patterns.
Conservation Status: Critically Endangered
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $250 – $450
Wood Turtle
Scientific Name: Clemmys insculpta
Average Size: 5 – 9 inches
Average Lifespan: 40 – 60 years
Habitat: Woodland habitat with streams, lakes, rivers, and ponds, which include a sandy bottom
Diet: Insect, mollusk, plants, berries, etc.
Physical Appearance: The dark brown carapace of these turtles has a roughness similar to wood. The pattern on the shell has similarities with the growth ring, and sometimes people mistake those markings for pyramiding.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $250 – $500
Box Turtle
Eastern Box Turtle
Scientific Name: Terrapene c. carolina
Average Size: 4 – 8 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 100 years
Habitat: Ponds, fields, grasslands, wetlands, meadows, woodlands, etc.
Diet: Fish, snail, worm, insect, fruit, vegetable, etc.
Physical Appearance: Eastern box turtle’s shell is slightly domed and mostly of dark brown color. The carapace often has yellow or orange spots. The plastron of this species is brown and has similar orange or yellow markings.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $100 – $500
Ornate Box Turtle
Scientific Name: Terrapine Ornata
Average Size: 2 – 6 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: Dry prairies, oak savannas, and open habitats with deep sandy soil, grassland, etc.
Diet: Beetle, insect, caterpillar, carrion, grasshopper, berries, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: Ornate box turtles have the same boxy appearance as their relatives. The shells of these turtles are domed and have orange to yellow patterns or markings.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $130 – $500
Desert Box Turtle
Scientific Name: Terrapene Ornata Luteola
Average Size: 4 – 6 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 40 years
Habitat: Open grassland and arid areas
Diet: Cactus, fruits, plants, beetles, grasshoppers, etc.
Physical Appearance: The domed shells of the desert box turtles range from brown to red. You will notice thin stripes running all over the carapace.
Conservation Status: Threatened
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $300 – $400
Three Toed Box Turtle
Scientific Name: Terrapene Carolina Triunguis
Average Size: 5 – 7 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 100 years
Habitat: Woodland, grassland, meadow, etc.
Diet: Worms, larvae, grasshopper, cricket, etc.
Physical Appearance: Three toed box turtles have a highly domed shell. Their carapace is olive to brown, and the plastron is yellow. The three toed box turtles have three claws on their rear legs, which is a distinctive feature of this species.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $130 – $450
Florida Box Turtle
Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina bauri
Average Size: 4 – 8.5 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Forest, swamps, and marshes.
Diet: Dark leafy vegetables, plants, worms, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: High dome and keel on the carapace is the key feature of the Florida box turtles. Also, you can spot this species by the red lines on the upper shell or the stripes on the eyes.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Care Level: Experienced
Average Price: $270 – $500
Gulf Coast Box Turtle
Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina major
Average Size: 5 – 8.5 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 100 years
Habitat: Brackish water, swamps, estuaries, etc.
Diet: Worms, crickets, insects, collard green, vegetables, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Gulf Coast box turtles have dark brown to black shells covered with yellow dots or stripes. Also, the carapaces have a fluted edge.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $120 – $450
Get a detailed care sheet for box turtles from this link.
Diamondback Terrapin
Diamondback Terrapin
Scientific Name: Malaclemys terrapin
Average Size: 4.5 – 11 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: Brackish water sources like tidal creeks, marshes, estuaries, etc.
Diet: Crab, snail, crustaceans, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The carapace of the species is gray or nearly black. The diamond-like patterns on the shells are differentiating points of these turtles.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $270 – $600
Northern Diamondback Terrapin
Scientific Name: Malaclemys t. Terrapin
Average Size: 4.5 to 11 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: The Northern diamondback terrapins live in brackish water, salt marshes, tidal creeks, estuaries, and coastal regions.
Diet: Fish, snail, insect, worm, etc.
Physical Appearance: Gray skin with black speckled is the distinguishing characteristic of Northern diamondback terrapins. The shell of these turtles ranges from brown to black with diamond-like patterns.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Care Level: Beginner and Intermediate
Average Price: $350 – $550
Texas Diamondback Terrapin
Scientific Name: Malaclemys Terrapin
Average Size: 4 – 9 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: Saltwater marshes, tidal creeks, estuaries near the coast, etc.
Diet: Insect, crab, shrimp, shellfish, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: Gray to faded black skin with black spots all over is the first thing you will notice in a Texas diamondback terrapin. Also, the brown to gray, wedge shaped shell with yellow to black dense ring on the scutes is another distinctive feature of this species.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $250 – $300
Are you struggling to provide excellent care to your terrapin? Here are articles to help you in this journey.
Cooter
Eastern River Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys concinna
Average Size: 8 – 16.5 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 40 years
Habitat: Shallow areas with vegetation and deep, clean water
Diet: Aquatic invertebrates, small fishes, snails, greens, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: The carapace of the Eastern river cooters is greenish brown. Scutes on the shell sometimes include C shape patterns or markings.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $20 – $600
Missouri River Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys Concinna Metteri
Average Size: 8 – 12 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: River, streams, swamps, marshes, etc.
Diet: Vegetation, mussels, snails, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: The carapace of the Missouri river cooters is slightly domed and of brown to olive. There are beautiful net-like patterns carved on their shells.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $20 – $100
Rio Grande Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys Gorzugi
Average Size: 8 – 14.6 inches
Average Lifespan: 20 – 40 years
Habitat: Freshwater rivers
Diet: Vegetation, plants, insects, fishes, etc.
Physical Appearance: While the carapace of the River Grande cooters is dark brown or olive, the plastron is yellow or red. You can separate this species by means of the jagged appearance around the edges. Moreover, these creatures have swirling red, orange, or yellow lines on their shells.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $70 – $130
Texas River Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys Texana
Average Size: 7 – 12 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 44 years
Habitat: Shallow freshwater rivers
Diet: Grasses, plants, algae, small fishes, crustaceans, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Texas river cooters also have a brown to the olive shell with swirling orange or yellow lines. Besides, these turtles have vertical yellow stripes behind their eyes, which make them stand out.
Conservation Status: Least concern
Care Level: Beginner to intermediate
Average Price: $20 – $50
Northern Red Bellied Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys rubriventris
Average Size: 8 – 16 inches
Average Lifespan: 55 years
Habitat: Water bodies with sandy bottoms
Diet: Vegetation, mollusk, insect, invertebrate, etc.
Physical Appearance: From the name, you can guess that the plastron of these turtles is red. Besides, dark brown to olive carapace has red lines, and their dark skin has yellow markings.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $30 – $170
Florida Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys floridana
Average Size: 8 – 13 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 40 years
Habitat: Coastal plains, swamps, rivers, wetlands, marshes with sandy bottoms and a little vegetation
Diet: Plant, small vegetation, algae, crustaceans, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: Florida cooters have similarities to the Eastern ones. The differences can be spotted in the carapace. This species has a dark carapace with orange or yellow markings.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $20 – $50
Florida Red Bellied Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemysnelsoni
Average Size: 12 – 14 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 55 years
Habitat: Slow-moving rivers, ponds, lakes, marshes, canals, etc.
Diet: Plants, leaves, green leafy vegetables, etc.
Physical Appearance: Florida red bellied cooters have domed, smooth shells that are often dark olive. The plastron of this species is yellow or orange.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $19 – $200
Peninsula Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys peninsularis
Average Size: 9 – 16 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 years
Habitat: Basin and tidal marshes, swamps, ponds, rivers, lakes, etc.
Diet: Aquatic vegetation, green leafy vegetables, worms, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: The limbs and heads of the Peninsula cooters are dark and covered with yellow or orange lines. Again, the males are generally smaller and rounder in shape.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $25 – $50
Eastern Redbelly Cooter
Scientific Name: Pseudemys rubriventris
Average Size: 5 – 12 inches
Average Lifespan: 40 – 55 years
Habitat: River and ponds with a sandy bottom
Diet: Insect, mollusk, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: The red plastron is the distinguishing feature of the red-bellied turtles. The carapace of the species is black to olive green and covered with red lines. Some turtles have yellow stripes on the skin.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Care Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Average Price: $20 – $170
Map turtle
Common Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys geographica
Average Size: 3.5 to 10.5 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 50 years
Habitat: River bottom. Pond, lake, etc.
Diet: Snail, insect, crayfish, clam, etc.
Physical Appearance: The shells of map turtles are dark brown or olive, covered with yellow lines. The carapace of this species seems like a carved map at first glance. You will notice yellow spots behind the eyes of the map turtles.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $20 – $150
Cagle’s Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys Caglei
Average Size: 3 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 50 years
Habitat: Creeks and rivers
Diet: Tadpole, worm, insect, etc.
Physical Appearance: A dark shell, keels running in the center, serrated rear, and cream or yellow stripes on the head are primary features of Cagle’s map turtles.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $100 – $300
Mississippi Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys Pseudogeographica Kohnii
Average Size: 3 – 11 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 50 years
Habitat: Lake, large streams, rivers, etc.
Diet: Vegetation, insects, larvae, carrion, crayfish, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Mississippi map turtles have dark brown to black shells with yellow markings running on the carapace. These turtles also have a sharp keel running down towards the tail.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $15 – $200
Ouachita Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys Ouachitensis
Average Size: 3 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 50 years
Habitat: Fast-moving water sources with vegetation
Diet: Insect, worm, shrimp, small fish, vegetation, etc.
Physical Appearance: From dark shells to keels on the back, the Ouachita map turtles have the traditional map turtle look. However, lightly colored patches behind the eyes are their distinctive feature.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $40 – $100
Sabine Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys Sabinensis
Average Size: 3 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 50 years
Habitat: Rivers and freshwater bodies
Diet: Invertebrate, mollusk, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The shells of the Sabine turtles are brown to olive and have black-tipped ridges on them. Also, the scutes have similar patterns to the map turtles. The plastron of this species is yellow to cream.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $15 – $230
Texas Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys Versa
Average Size: 2.5 – 5 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Fast-moving river, stream, and water body
Diet: Aquatic plants, invertebrates, small fish, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: Texas map turtles and Sabine map turtles look alike. Both have ridges on the brown to olive shells and tipped keels.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: Pricey (Ask your local pet store)
Barbour’s Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys barbouri
Average Size: 6 – 11 inches
Average Lifespan: 15 – 20 years
Habitat: Freshwater sources
Diet: Insects, worms, molluscs, amphibians, etc.
Physical Appearance: Barbour’s map turtles have black and green skin with yellow stripes. The spikes on the grey, oval shell are the distinct feature of this species.
Conservation Status: Protected Species
False Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica pseudogeographica
Average Size: 3 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Freshwater sources
Diet: Pellets, insects, vegetables, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The shells of False map turtles range from brown to black and have yellow contouring. Besides, these creatures have keels on their carapace, which is why the species is often called sawback turtles.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $6 – $50
Alabama Map Turtle
Scientific Name: Graptemys Pulchra
Average Size: 3.5 to 11 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 20 years
Habitat: Fast-flowing water bodies with a muddy bottom
Diet: Mussels, mollusks, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Alabama map turtles have a brown or dark olive carapace where faint yellow or orange lines run all over.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Care Level: Beginner
It is easy to raise a map turtle with proper tricks. Master the care sheet on map turtles from here.
Slider
Yellow Bellied Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys s. scripta
Average Size: 5 – 13 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Slow-moving river, swamp, marshes, lake, seasonal wetland, lake, etc.
Diet: Aquatic vegetation, insects, mollusks, small fish, etc.
Physical Appearance: You can spot a yellow bellied slider with yellow plastron and yellow markings on the skin. The turtle also has yellow stripes behind the eyes.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $10 – $100
Red Eared Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
Average Size: 6 – 12 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: Slow-moving river, creek, stream, pond, swamp, lake, etc.
Diet: Insect, worm, small fish, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The red eared sliders have an olive green shell with yellow stripes. These yellow markings run throughout the skin. However, the distinguishing feature of these turtles is the red patches on the ears.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $15 – $120
Cumberland Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys Scripta Troostii
Average Size: 5 – 12 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Quiet water bodies with a muddy bottom
Diet: Tadpole, insect, crayfish, seed, plant, etc.
Physical Appearance: Unlike other sliders, the Cumberland sliders are light yellow colored. And yes, the red ears are missing in these turtles.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $17 – $70
Big Bend Slider
Scientific Name: Trachemys Gaigeae
Average Size: 5 – 11 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 30 years
Habitat: River and pond
Diet: Vegetation, mollusk, small fish, crustacean, etc.
Physical Appearance: The big bend sliders belong to the famous slider group. This species has brown to olive carapace covered with yellow to orange lines. The orange stripes behind their eyes bordered with black are the unique features of these turtles.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Care Level: Beginner
Sliders are popular pets. But people often make common mistakes with them. Find out the right way of raising sliders from here.
Painted Turtle
Painted Turtle
Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta
Average Size: 4 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: 30 – 50 years
Habitat: Quiet and still shallow pool, lake, shore, pond, wet meadow, marshes, slow-moving streams, bogs, etc.
Diet: Small fish, mammals, mollusks, insects, vegetation, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: Painted turtles have black to the dark brown carapace and a tan, yellow plastron. You will notice yellow markings on the faces and throats of these turtles.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $20 – $150
Eastern Painted Turtle
Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta picta
Average Size: 4 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Lake, ponds, and other slow-moving water sources
Diet: Small animals, crustaceans, small fish, carrion, aquatic plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The edges of the dark shells of Eastern painted turtles are marked red or yellow. Besides, deep yellow stripes are also seen on their faces.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $80 – $250
Southern Painted Turtle
Scientific Name: Chrysemys dorsalis
Average Size: 5 – 7 inches
Average Lifespan: 20 – 25 years
Habitat: Lake, pond, river, marshes, swamp, etc.
Diet: Aquatic vegetation, worms, insects, etc.
Physical Appearance: Southern painted turtles have smooth dark carapace and yellow to orange marks.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $70 – $200
Western Painted Turtle
Scientific Name: Chrysemys Picta Belli
Average Size: 4 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 40 years
Habitat: Shallow and slow-moving water sources
Diet: Seed, plant, fruits, snail, shrimp, etc.
Physical Appearance: The carapace of the Western painted turtles is black or dark olive, and the plastron of this species is orange or mixed color.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Beginner
Average Price: $30 – $130
Blanding’s Turtle
Blanding’s Turtle
Scientific Name: Emydoidea blandingii
Average Size: 6 – 11 inches
Average Lifespan: 75 – 80 years
Habitat: Pond, swamp, creeks, sloughs, weedy marshes, lake backwaters, etc.
Diet: Fish, crustaceans, snails, insects, mollusks, worms, vegetables, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Blanding’s turtle has a dome-like and smooth dark oval shell covered in yellow tints. The plastron of this turtle is yellow and contains dark patches. Again, the yellowish throat is a standout point of this species.
Conservation Status: Threatened
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $300 – $500
Get an insight into the painted turtle from my previous write ups.
Chicken Turtle
Eastern Chicken Turtle
Scientific Name: Deirochelys reticularia reticularia
Average Size: 4 – 10 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 30 years
Habitat: Wetlands with slow-moving streams
Diet: Insect, amphibian larvae, crayfish, etc.
Physical Appearance: The chicken turtles are popular for their chicken-like long neck. Besides, the species has green shells with yellow marks.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $120 – $300
Western Chicken Turtle
Scientific Name: Deirochelys Reticularia Miaria
Average Size: 4 – 6 inches
Average Lifespan: 20 years
Habitat: Swamp, streams, ponds, lakes, etc.
Diet: Plants, veggies, insects, small fishes, etc.
Physical Appearance: Western chicken turtles have flat and rough egg-shaped shells. The carapace of these turtles is dark olive with faint lines, and the plastron seam has a continuous dark mark.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Expert
Florida Chicken Turtle
Scientific Name: Deirochelys Reticularia Chrysea
Average Size: 4 – 6 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 20 years
Habitat: Freshwater bodies
Diet: Amphibian larvae, crayfish, insects, worms, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Florida chicken turtles have striped shells. Also, their carapaces own orange to yellow lines while the plastron is markless.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Care Level: Expert
Average Price: $150++
Pond Turtle
Western Pond Turtle
Scientific Name: Actinemys marmorata
Average Size: 7 – 9 inches
Average Lifespan: 50 – 70 years
Habitat: Small lakes, marshes, ponds, creeks, rivers, ditches, etc.
Diet: Beetle, flies, grasshopper, seeds, plants, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Western pond turtle’s carapace is low but broad and smooth. The middle portion is slightly wider. These turtles have the same olive carapace as the other pond turtles.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Expert
Average Price: $500++
Softshell Turtle
Spiny Softshell Turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone s. spinifera
Average Size: 5 – 17 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 70 years
Habitat: High current streams and rivers
Diet: Fish, mollusk, insect, crustaceans, etc.
Physical Appearance: A pancake shaped soft carapace is the differentiator for the Spiny softshell turtles. Their shells are olive-gray to dark brown with small dark spots. The softshell turtles have snouts for breathing.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $50 – $280
Florida Softshell turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone ferox
Average Size: 6 – 12 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 50 years
Habitat: Drainage ditch, pond, river, stream, etc.
Diet: Stripe, fish, insect, worm, etc.
Physical Appearance: The leathery, pancake-like carapace of the Florida softshell turtles is dark brown to olive. Again, the plastron of these turtles is white or grey.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Expert
Average Price: $50 – $200
Gulf Coast Smooth Softshell Turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone mutica calvata
Average Size: 4 – 14 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 25 years
Habitat: fast-moving water with a sandy bottom
Diet: Cricket, worm, fish, mollusk, etc.
Physical Appearance: Gulf Coast smooth softshell turtles have brown or tanned shells with dark markings. Generally, the male turtles have a darker and smaller appearance.
Conservation Status: Moderate Concern
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $40 – $60
Midland Smooth Softshell Turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone Mutica Mutica
Average Size: 4 – 14 inches
Average Lifespan: More than 25 years
Habitat: Large rivers and water bodies with a sandy bottom
Diet: Insect, crayfish, mollusk, fish, etc.
Physical Appearance: Midland smooth softshell turtles have leather shells like softshell turtles. Besides, these turtles have gray and brown lines on the eyes and snouts.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $50 – $150
Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera
Average Size: 5 – 21 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Rivers and streams
Diet: Insects, worms, crustaceans, small fish, etc.
Physical Appearance: The eastern spiny softshell turtles have the same oval, pancake-like shell with random dark spots. These turtles have a tapered snout which helps them breathe while burrowed in the sand.
Conservation Status: Least Concern
Care Level: Intermediate to Expert
Average Price: $70 – $270
Gulf Coast Spiny Softshell Turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera aspera
Average Size: 5 – 19 inches
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Farm ponds, marshes, rivers, lakes, etc.
Diet: Worm, insect, fish, mollusk, etc.
Physical Appearance: Besides the pancake-like shell, the Gulf Coast spiny softshell turtles have black bars running on the carapace. Also, the scutes have ring patterns like other species.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Care Level: Intermediate
Average Price: $70 – $300
Texas Spiny Softshell Turtle
Scientific Name: Apalone spinifera emoryi
Average Size: 5 – 21 inches
Average Lifespan: 50 years
Habitat: River and other freshwater bodies
Diet: Fish, insect, carrion, bug, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Texas spiny softshell turtles have a leathery shell on the back. You can differentiate this species from the rest with the two black-edged yellow stripes on each side of their head and neck.
Conservation Status: Not Extinct
Softshell turtles are fun as a pet. I have included a complete care guide on these turtles here.
Sea Turtle
Green Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Chelonia mydas
Average Size: 3 – 4 feet
Average Lifespan: 70 – 100 years
Habitat: Near the coastline and around the island
Diet: Algae, seaweed, seagrass, etc.
Physical Appearance: The green sea turtles have green to brown heart-like shells with yellow edges. Their skin is creamy with a green shade.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Hawksbill Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Eretmochelys i. imbricata
Average Size: 2 – 3 feet
Average Lifespan: 30 – 60 years
Habitat: Shallow coastal areas with reefs, rocks, and estuaries.
Diet: crustaceans, mollusks, algae, etc.
Physical Appearance: The Atlantic Hawksbill sea turtles have an oval shell and a hawk-like beak. Their flippers have claws.
Conservation Status: Critically endangered
Ridley Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys kempii
Average Size: More than 2 feet
Average Lifespan: 30 years
Habitat: Sandy coastal areas with shallow water bodies
Diet: Shellfish, crustaceans, etc.
Physical Appearance: Triangle shaped head and a hook-like beak are the differentiative characteristics of Ridley sea turtles. The rounded carapace is gray, and the plastron is yellow.
Conservation Status: critically Engendered
Loggerhead Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Caretta caretta
Average Size: 3 – 4 feet
Average Lifespan: 70 – 80 years
Habitat: Sub-tropical water, sandy beach, coastal region, shallow bay, etc.
Diet: Crustacean, mollusk, shellfish, etc.
Physical Appearance: The loggerhead sea turtles have large heads along with a hard shell. While the carapace of these turtles is reddish brown, the plastron is cream to yellow.
Conservation Status: Endangered
Leatherback Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Dermochelys coriacea
Average Size: 6 – 7 feet
Average Lifespan: Up to 50 years
Habitat: Shallow and warm waters near the bays and lagoons
Diet: Jellyfish and other marine creatures
Physical Appearance: The soft leathery shell with prominent ridges is the key feature of this species. Their shell color can range from dark gray to black.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Olive Ridley Sea Turtle
Scientific Name: Lepidochelys olivacea
Average Size: 2 – 2.5 feet
Average Lifespan: 50 years
Habitat: Deep sea and coastal areas
Diet: Crab, lobster, algae, mollusc, etc.
Physical Appearance: Of course, the Olive Ridley sea turtles have an olive carapace. Also, the shell has a slightly hearty shape that adds more cuteness to the look of this species.
Conservation Status: Vulnerable
Sea turtles are a mystery to most of us. Get to know these divine creatures more closely from these articles.
Final Thoughts
Do you know why experts always advise getting a native turtle? It is because the creature feels more homely in its region. For this reason, you should go through the list of your native turtles before buying a foreign species. It will save your energy and make a better home for the pet.
About Author
Muntaseer Rahman started keeping pet turtles back in 2013. He also owns the largest Turtle & Tortoise Facebook community in Bangladesh. These days he is mostly active on Facebook.