Description

Painted turtles are brightly marked. They have a smooth shell about 10 to 18 cm long. Their shell acts as protection, but since the ribs are fused to the shell, the turtle cannot expand its chest to breathe but must force air in and out of the lungs by alternately contracting the flank and shoulder muscles. The painted turtle has a relatively flat upper shell with red and yellow markings on a black or greenish brown background. Males mature at about 70-95 mm plastron (lower shell) length, usually at 3-5 years of age. Females at take longer (6-10 years) and are larger at maturity (c. 100-130 mm plastron length). The growth rate, for both sexes is rapid during the first several years of the of their lives. Turtles continue to grow slowly after maturity, and this species may reach 250 mm carapace (upper shell) length and live for many decades.

Distribution:

Painted turtles are North American turtles, found from southern Canada to northern Mexico.

Habitat

Painted turtles like to live in freshwater that is quiet, shallow, and thickly planted with mud on the bottom.

Reproduction

In the early summer the female lays 4 to 15 oval, soft-shelled eggs, in a flask-shaped hole. The breeding season lasts from late spring to early summer.

Lifespan/Longevity

Scientists are not sure how long Painted Turtles live but it is likely that they can live for several decades.

Behavior

Painted turtles bask in large groups on logs, fallen trees, and other objects. The sunning helps rid them of parasitic leeches. In many areas the turtles hibernate during the winter months. Their body size is correlated with many aspects of locomotion. Turtles dive quickly at the first hint of danger. Sound perception is poor in turtles. Compensating for poor hearing is a good sense of smell and color vision.

Communication and Perception

Sound perception is poor in turtles, but they do have a good sense of smell and color vision. They use touch to communicate with each other, particularly during mating.

Food Habits

Painted turtles feed mainly on plants, small animals, and some carrion. They also feed on insects. Lacking teeth, the turtle jaw has tough, horny plates for gripping food.

Predation

A variety of predators will capture painted turtles. raccoons, otters, mink, foxes, and other medium-sized predators will prey on turtles and their eggs. Painted turtles are vigilant and seek refuge in the water at the slightest sign of danger, they can also retract their head and legs into the protection of their shell.