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Blanding’s Turtle

Emydoidea blandingii

Description

The best field markings for this species is the yellow throat and long neck. The carapace is dark and marked with small pale yellow dots that may run together forming bars or streaks. Plastron is yellow with dark blotches on the outer edge of each scute (may be entirely black in some specimens). Head is moderate with a short snout, blunt eyes, and a yellow lower jaw.

Stats

Size

Carapace 6 – 8 inches

Status

State Endangered

Similar Species

Spotted turtle

Diet

Crayfish are a chief food item. Also feeds on insects, fish, frogs, algae, and duckweed.

Habitat

Prefers shallow water with abundant vegetation. Also found in grassy marshes, sloughs, fens, creeks, and wet prairies.

Reproduction

This species is mostly aquatic but do travel between water sources. They do bask regularly. Prefers shallow water with abundant vegetation.

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Blanding's Turtle

Blanding’s Turtle

Blanding's Turtle

Emydoidea blandingii

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