Midland Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta marginata
Description
Carapace is oval and smooth throughout. Color is slate black to olive brown or dark green and red markings at the margins and underside. Skin is dark with yellow and red stripes. Head is moderate in size with a short snout. Head color is dark with bright yellow stripes that become red on the neck. Males have longer front claws and longer tail.
Stats
Size
Carapace 4 - 6 inches
Status
Common
Similar Species
Western painted turtle
Diet
An opportunistic, omnivorous species that readily feeds on algae and other aquatic plants. It also consumes insects, crustaceans, worms, and fish.
Habitat
Found in quiet, shallow waters of lakes, ponds, sloughs, marshes, and ditches. Common in urban to suburban aquatic habitats.
Reproduction
This species basks often and is active throughout most of the year. It is typically basking with in large groups on the same log or rock. When alarmed, it quickly falls into the water and will come back to the surface soon after.
Midland Painted Turtle
Midland Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta marginata