Clemmys guttata (Spotted Turtle)

Conservation Status:
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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

  • Kingdom: Animalia
  • Phylum: Chordata
  • Class: Reptilia
  • Order: Testudines
  • Family: Emydidae
  • Genus: Clemmys
  • Species: C. guttata

Common Names

  • Spotted Turtle

Identification

  • Description: Spotted turtles have a smooth, black or bluish-black carapace with a pattern of round, yellow spots. They typically grow to about 4 to 5 inches in carapace length.
  • Sexual Dimorphism: Females are generally larger than males and have a higher and wider carapace. Males have a concave plastron and longer, thicker tails.

Native Origin and Distribution

  • Geographical Range: They are found from southeastern Canada through the eastern United States, extending as far south as Florida.

Preferred Habitat

Spotted turtles prefer shallow, muddy-bottomed water bodies surrounded by dense vegetation, such as marshes, wet meadows, and swamps.

Behavior

  • Feeding Habits: They are omnivorous, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants, insects, worms, and small mollusks.
  • Predators: Predators include raccoons, skunks, and birds of prey.

Reproduction

  • Breeding Season: Breeding takes place in early spring, soon after hibernation ends.
  • Reproductive Method: Females lay 1 to 8 eggs in nests dug in sandy or soft soil, which hatch in late summer.

Conservation

  • Extinction Status: Listed as Endangered or Threatened in several U.S. states and is considered globally vulnerable.
  • Threats: Habitat loss, pollution, and road mortality are significant threats.
  • Conservation Measures: Efforts include habitat restoration, protection laws, and road-crossing signs in high mortality areas.

Economic Importance

Spotted turtles are sometimes collected for the pet trade, but their sale is heavily regulated due to their protected status.

Interesting Facts

Spotted turtles can live up to 50 years in the wild. Their spots may increase in number and size as they age.

Research Studies

For more detailed scientific insights, refer to the following research paper: Habitat and Temperature Selection of Clemmys guttata in a Northern Population

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.