European Pond Turtle
ExploreReptiles
European Pond Turtle
Emys orbicularis
The European Pond Turtle is a friendly turtle that likes to sunbathe on riverbanks. They have a dark, smooth shell and enjoy swimming in calm waters!
Habitat: Ponds, lakes, and marshes
Appearance
The European Pond Turtle has a dark, often olive to brownish-black, oval shell adorned with distinctive yellow speckles. Its head, neck, and limbs are also marked with bright yellow spots, making it visually distinct from most duller-colored freshwater turtles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyEmydidaeGenusEmys
Category
ReptilesRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Female pond turtles can travel surprisingly far from water to lay their eggs safely.
It's Europe's only native freshwater turtle, a true European original!
Their unique yellow speckles act like a fingerprint, no two turtles are exactly alike!
They can completely pull their head and limbs inside their shell for ultimate protection.
Special abilities
Ability
Aquatic Camouflage
European Pond Turtle has a dark, speckled shell that helps them blend perfectly with muddy pond bottoms and vegetated waters.
Ability
Breath-Holding Champ
European Pond Turtle can stay underwater for extended periods because of its efficient lungs, helping them hunt and hide.
Ability
Mud Hibernation
European Pond Turtle can bury itself in mud during winter or drought because it helps them survive extreme environmental changes.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 12-38 cm
- Weight
- 0.3-1.5 kg
- Lifespan
- 30-60 years
- Top Speed
- 0.5 km/h
- Swim Speed
- 3 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 3-16
- Incubation
- 60-100 days
- Maximum Depth
- 3 m
Diet & Feeding
They are opportunistic eaters, feasting on almost anything small they can catch!
Age differences: Young turtles are mainly carnivorous, while adults incorporate more plant matter into their diet.
Primary Foods
- Aquatic insects
- Tadpoles
- Small fish
- Crustaceans
- Aquatic plants
- Carrion
Foraging Method
- Ambush
Ecological connections
eaten by
Grey Heron
Ardea cinerea
Young turtles are a food source for large wading birds.
hunts
Common Minnow
Phoxinus phoxinus
Actively hunts small fish in its freshwater environment.
eats
White Water Lily
Nymphaea alba
Sometimes grazes on parts of aquatic plants and algae.
eaten by
Brown Rat
Rattus norvegicus
Nests are vulnerable to predation by opportunistic mammals.
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Ancient Lineage
This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years.
Longevous
This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind.
Armored
Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense.
Diurnal
Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night.
Freshwater
Freshwater habitats include non-saline aquatic environments such as rivers, lakes, ponds, and wetlands, vital for numerous species.
Aquatic
Aquatic habitats encompass environments where organisms live predominantly in water, including oceans, rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Also known as
Common Pond TurtleEuropean Pond Tortoise
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Look but don’t touch. Keep a safe distance and wash hands after exploring.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is European Pond Turtle?
12-38 cm
How much does European Pond Turtle weigh?
0.3-1.5 kg
How long does European Pond Turtle live?
30-60 years
How fast can European Pond Turtle move?
0.5 km/h
What does European Pond Turtle eat?
They are opportunistic eaters, feasting on almost anything small they can catch!
How fast can European Pond Turtle swim?
3 km/h
Where is European Pond Turtle usually found?
Ponds, lakes, and marshes
How does European Pond Turtle hunt?
Ambush
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