Spotted Turtle
Clemmys guttata
Conservation Status
EndangeredReptilia · Emydidae
About
The spotted turtle, the only species of the genus Clemmys, is a small, semi-aquatic turtle that reaches a carapace length of 8–12 cm (3.1–4.7 in) upon adulthood. Their broad, smooth, low dark-colored upper shell, or carapace, ranges in its exact colour from black to a bluish black with a number of tiny yellow round spots. The spotting patterning extends from the head, to the neck and out onto the limbs. Sexually mature males have a concave plastron and a long, thick tail. By contrast, sexually mature females possess a flat plastron and have a tail that is noticeably shorter and thinner than that of mature males. Mature males also have a dark iris and face; females typically have a yellow or orange iris and a similarly coloured face that is distinctly lighter than the males'. Juveniles appear female-like in this regard, and at maturity males begin to develop darker features.
Fun Fact
It is omnivorous and eats exclusively in the water, consuming plant material including aquatic vegetation, green algae, and in at least one instance, wild cranberries.
Quick Facts
Habitat
Habitats including swamps, bogs, fens, marshes, woodland streams, and wet pastures.
Diet
Eats exclusively in the water, consuming plant material including aquatic vegetation, green algae, and in at least one instance, wild cranberries.
Lifespan
To be updated
Threats
- Habitat Loss
- Poaching and Hunting
- Human-Wildlife Conflict
- Disease