Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
Conservation Status
Least ConcernReptilia · Emydidae
About
The painted turtle is the most widespread native turtle of North America. It lives in relatively slow-moving fresh waters, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They have been shown to prefer large wetlands with long periods of inundation and emergent vegetation. This species is one of the few that is specially adapted to tolerate freezing temperatures for extended periods of time due to an antifreeze-like substance in their blood that keeps their cells from freezing. This turtle is a member of the genus Chrysemys, which is part of the pond turtle family Emydidae. Fossils show that the painted turtle existed 15 million years ago. Three regionally based subspecies evolved during the last ice age. The southern painted turtle (C. dorsalis) is alternately considered the only other species in Chrysemys, or another subspecies of C. picta.
Fun Fact
Adults in the wild can live for more than 55 years.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Found in wetland areas like swamps and marshes with a thick layer of mud as well as sandy bottoms with lots of vegetation.
Diet
Eat both plants and animals (in the form of leaves, algae, fish, crustaceans, aquatic insects and carrion), their specific diets vary.
Lifespan
55 years
Threats
- Habitat Change
- Human Disturbance