Turtles of Pennsylvania

Overview

Easily identified by their shell. Top called carapace Bottom called plastron▪ May have one or two hinges to close the

plastron. Shells covered by scales called scutes.

Considered more intelligent than most reptiles.

No teeth hard beak

Common Snapping Turtle

Sometimes called the fresh water “loggerhead”

Used for its meat. Long tail with “spines” on it Serration on back side of carapace Beak that ends in a hook Small plastron compared to other

turtles Loose warty skin on neck. Omnivores

Common Snapping Turtle

Snapping turtle

Eastern mud turtle *

Believed to be extirpated Carapace olive to dark brown to

black Plastron is yellow to brown Plastron is double hinged and has 11

scutes Head is brown with yellow streaks

Eastern mud turtle

Stinkpot turtle ~

Secrete foul-smelling yellowish fluid High domed carapace Small plastron – allows for greater

movement Olive-brown to dark grey Generally two lighter stripes are on

the head

Stinkpot

Midland painted turtle

Olive or black carapace, which is smooth, oval and slightly flattened.

Red and black markings on the edge of the shell.

Plastron yellow or red with a dark blotch.

Bright yellow spots on the head. Red and yellow stripes on neck, legs,

and tail.

Midland painted turtle

Spotted turtle ~

Only three inches long Black carapace with round yellow

spots. Head and legs also have yellow or

orange spots. Orange spot over eyes Yellow plastron bordered with black

Spotted turtle

Wood turtle

Brown scutes that are keeled, with a pyramidal shape. (growth rings)

Plastron is yellow and has no hinges Skin of neck and front legs is reddish

orange. Long tail.

Wood turtle

Bog Turtle *

Endangered species Carapace that is light brown to

mahogany. Hingeless plastron. Black head with a yellow, orange, or

red blotch on either side.

Bog turtle

Blanding’s turtle *

Smooth helmet shaped carapace, which has yellowish spots.

Chin and throat are yellow Hinged plastron

Blanding’s turtle

Map Turtle *

Carapace is green to olive-brown. Random yellow lines found on its

back give it its name (looks like a map)

Distinct keel on carapace. Exposed skin has narrow yellow lines Yellow triangular spot behind each

eye.

Map turtle

Red-Eared Slider

Non native species Population is from released pets Looks similar to map, red bellied,

and painted turtles. Red patch or stripe behind the eye

on the side of the head.

Tortuga.

Red-Eared Slider

Red bellied turtle *

Threatened species Brown to black shell with a reddish

pattern. Plastron is usually yellow to red but

may be coral. Notch at tip of upper jaw Arrow shaped stripe runs on top of

head to the snout.

Red bellied turtle

Eastern box turtle ~

High domed carapace that is keeled. Black or brown base with yellow,

orange, or olive markings. Plastron hinged Males usually have red eyes while

the females have yellow eyes.

Eastern box turtle

Eastern Spiny Softshell turtle

Entirely aquatic (lay eggs and bask) The carapace is soft, olive in color Slightly darker spots, bordered with

black Dark line around rim of carapace. Streaks on feet. Adult males have sandpaper like

projections on shell Nose is tubular (like a snorkel).

Eastern Spiny Softshell Turtle