Actinemys marmorata (Western Pond Turtle)

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Actinemys marmorata, commonly known as the western pond turtle, is a freshwater species native to the western United States. This small to medium-sized turtle is distinguished by its mottled shell and adaptable behavior in various aquatic environments.

Native To These Regions

California (USA), Oregon (USA), Washington (USA)

Native Turtle Species Map – Find Turtles by Region

Scientific Classification

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Genus: Actinemys
  • Species: A. marmorata

Common Names

  • Western Pond Turtle
  • Pacific Pond Turtle

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Identification

  • Description: Actinemys marmorata has a dark, smooth carapace that can reach up to 8 inches in length. Its shell often features mottled patterns of brown and black, resembling marble, which is how it gets its name.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Females are generally larger than males. Males have a concave plastron and longer, thicker tails.

Check more turtles from the Actinemys genus

Southwestern Pond Turtle

Actinemys pallida (Southwestern Pond Turtle)

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: Native to the western United States, particularly along the Pacific Coast from northern Baja California to Washington.

Preferred Habitat

  • This species thrives in a variety of freshwater environments, including ponds, lakes, rivers, and streams with abundant vegetation.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: Omnivorous, feeding on a mix of aquatic vegetation, insects, and small aquatic creatures.
  • Predators: Predation is significant from raccoons, birds of prey, and invasive species such as bullfrogs and largemouth bass.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: Mating occurs in spring to early summer.
  • Reproductive Method: Oviparous, with females laying clutches of 3 to 13 eggs on sunny riverbanks or other protected areas.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Listed as Vulnerable due to declining populations.
  • Threats: Habitat destruction, pollution, competition and predation by non-native species, and climate change are major threats.
  • Conservation Measures: Habitat restoration, legal protection, captive breeding programs, and reintroduction efforts are in place to help population recovery.

Economic Importance

  • Minimal direct economic importance, but plays a vital role in ecosystem health and biodiversity.

Interesting Facts

  • This turtle is capable of estivating in the mud during droughts to survive periods of low water availability.
  • It is one of the oldest species of turtle, with fossil records dating back millions of years.

Research Studies

Numerous studies focus on its ecology, impact of urbanization on its habitat, and effectiveness of conservation strategies. There’s ongoing research into its genetic diversity and population structure to inform conservation efforts.

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.