Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata

The Spotted Turtle has tiny yellow spots on its dark shell, making it look like a starry night! They enjoy warm, sunny days.

Habitat: Wetlands and shallow waters

Appearance

The Spotted Turtle is a small reptile, easily recognized by its smooth, dark black or brown shell covered in bright yellow or orange spots. Its head and limbs also often bear yellow spots, making it stand out from other freshwater turtles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumChordataClassTestudinesOrderTestudinesFamilyEmydidaeGenusClemmys

Spotted Turtle

Interesting facts

Despite their small size, they can live for over 30 years in the wild.

Each turtle's unique pattern of spots is like a fingerprint; no two are exactly alike.

Their bright spots may help camouflage them among sun-dappled aquatic plants.

They are one of the earliest turtles to emerge in spring, sometimes when there's still ice!

Special abilities

Spotted Turtles can be active in near-freezing water because their bodies tolerate cold better than many other reptiles.

Spotted Turtles can burrow into mud or sand to escape extreme heat or cold, staying safe and hidden.

Spotted Turtles have webbed feet that help them glide effortlessly through shallow water as they search for food.

Measurements & details

Length: 10-12.5 cm
Weight: 0.15-0.23 kg
Lifespan: 15-30 years
Swim Speed: 1.5 km/h
Clutch Size: 2-8
Incubation: 70-83 days

Diet & Feeding

Spotted Turtles are opportunistic eaters, feasting on small creatures and plants found in their watery homes.

Age differences: Younger turtles tend to eat more protein (insects/worms), while adults consume more plant matter.

Primary Foods

insect larvae
small worms
snails
tadpoles
aquatic plants
algae

Foraging Method

Foraging

Ecological connections

eaten by

Raccoon

Procyon lotor

Raccoons often raid turtle nests for eggs.

eaten by

Great Blue Heron

Ardea herodias

Large birds like herons can prey on young turtles.

eats

Eastern Newt

Notophthalmus viridescens

Spotted Turtles may consume newt larvae or eggs.

eats

Common Duckweed

Lemna minor

Turtles forage on this small floating aquatic plant.

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.

Wetland

This habitat trait identifies species found in wetlands, which are areas of land saturated with water, either permanently or seasonally, including marshes, swamps, and bogs.