Hieroglyphic turtle

The hieroglyphic turtle (Pseudemys concinna), also known as the Jicotea turtle, is a species of water turtle found in North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. This species is popular as a pet and is also found in the wild in many areas. It belongs to the family Emydidae.

In this article, we will explore the biology, care, and behavior of the turtle hieroglyphic turtle (pseudemys concinna), as well as its ecological importance and conservation status in the wild. We highlight some of the challenges this species faces and the measures being taken to protect it.

Characteristics

The Pseudemys concinna shares a remarkable similarity in shell and body shape with the well-known trachemys scripta elegans o trachemys scripta scripta.

It is distinguished by an inverted "C" shaped mark on the second costal of the carapace and an oval shape with a higher center and slight serration on the rear edge. Its overall coloration is dark brown with yellow stripes.

As they age, the colors may fade and turn black or dark brown.

The plastron is yellow to orange with a dark pattern along the sutures and sometimes limited to the front half.

The skin is brown to olive with light yellow bars and two very thin, parallel yellow stripes extending from the eye socket to the neck. On the underside of the neck, thick yellow stripes run from the chin to the base of the neck. The outer part of the lower jaw is finely serrated.

Males have elongated claws on their front legs, while females are larger and more rounded than males.

Subspecies

There are four distinct subspecies of the turtle Pseudemys concinna.

Pseudemys concinna concinna

It is found from eastern Alabama to Virginia, has two thin parallel bands behind the eyes and a small stripe in the center of the chin that splits into two branches forming a "Y."

Pseudemys concinna hieroglyphica

It occupies the upper Mississippi Valley, from southern Illinois and Missouri to Tennessee and southern Alabama, with a very pronounced inverted "C" shaped pattern on the second costal of the carapace.

Pseudemys concinna metteri

It ranges from eastern Texas to southwestern Missouri, with a less reticulated pattern and a large dark plastron.

Pseudemys concinna mobilensis

It is found from Florida to Texas. It has red or orange stripes on the head and there is little information available about this species.

Suwannee River Cooter

It is found in western Florida, between northern Tampa and western Tallahassee, with an overall black color and five yellow-green bands between the eyes.

Habits

The hieroglyphic turtle (Pseudemys concinna) inhabits rivers with moderate current and abundant aquatic vegetation, sometimes with rocky bottoms, and can also be found in some lakes, marshes, or watering holes where livestock drink. They can move in brackish waters and constantly bask in the sun, preferring the trunks of emergent trees or rock piles on the shores. They are very alert animals and dive quickly at any sign of danger. These turtles are diurnal.

Their activity is especially high between April and October, although in the south they can be active year-round.

They usually feed early in the morning or at the end of the day, spending the rest of the time sunbathing. Although they are very aquatic animals, they rarely come ashore. They can breathe without lifting their heads out of the water because the edge of their nostrils is hydrophobic (does not absorb water), and when at the surface level, they form a small "air tube" that allows them to breathe. On land, they are quite clumsy and slow.

How long does the hieroglyphic turtle live?

They can live up to 40 years in captivity as long as they are given the proper care.

What size does the hieroglyphic turtle reach?

The hieroglyphic turtle (Pseudemys concinna) can reach 42 cm.

Hieroglyphic Turtle Care

The hieroglyphic turtle care is similar to that of other aquatic turtles. Providing a balanced diet, an environment with enough sunlight, and adequate space are essential for their rapid growth and well-being, reducing the risk of diseases.

If you need to keep this turtle indoors, you should provide an aquarium or aquaterrarium with a filter, UVB light, substrate, heater, dry area, and regular water changes.

A filter is essential to keep the water clean for extended periods, prevent diseases, and save water. A UVB light is necessary for good digestion and proper nutrient absorption to allow a strong shell. The substrate used must be suitable for aquatic turtles to avoid accidental ingestion. A heater is needed to maintain the water temperature between 25 and 28 degrees Celsius. Finally, providing a dry area where the turtle can rest and sunbathe is essential.

It is recommended to avoid letting baby turtles hibernate. Water changes should be done weekly, replacing 20% of the water in the aquaterrarium to keep nitrate levels low. A dechlorinator should be added to tap water if used for the turtle tank to prevent irritation caused by chlorine.

For more information, consult the complete guide on water turtle care.

What Does the Hieroglyphic Turtle Eat?

These turtles eat insect larvae and some aquatic mollusks in the wild. They consume a wide variety of plants, such as sagittaria, water lily leaves, or filamentous algae.

Feeding in Captivity

These turtles feed following the water turtlespattern. They require a balanced diet for proper growth and should not be fed gammarus or dried shrimp as their sole food source.

A mix of turtle pellets and animal-based foods like insects, snails, fish, and lean meats is recommended. Although they may not readily accept fruits and vegetables, aquatic plants can be added to the tank for them to eat, serving as decoration and natural cleaners.

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Reproduction

Mating occurs in spring, and courtship is lengthy. The behavior of both sexes during mating resembles that of other American species. Egg-laying takes place from May to June, and in northern areas, until late July. Some females lay their eggs at night.

The eggs are pale pinkish-white. On average, they lay 20 eggs per clutcheggs, but multiple clutches can occur per season. Hatchlings emerge from late August to late September. The newborns are very colorful and display especially attractive patterns.

Compatible species

The hieroglyphic turtle They usually do not show conflicts when cohabiting with turtles from the genera Trachemys, Pseudemys, Chrysemys, and Graptemys.

Conservation status

Habitat loss and competition with introduced species have also contributed to its decline. Despite conservation efforts, there is still much to be done to protect and restore populations of Pseudemys in its distribution area.

This species, the hieroglyphic turtle is a common turtle in pet stores, imported as a substitute for the well-known red-eared slider turtles, as is the case with other turtles like the red-bellied turtle. As a result, they are becoming an environmental problem because some irresponsible individuals release them into the wild. Since they adapt well, they eliminate various animals and plants within their reach and compete with our native turtles, Mauremys leprosa y Emys orbicularis.

Hieroglyphic Turtle Images

Below we show photos of the hieroglyphic turtle where their previously described characteristics are displayed:

Other species of water turtles

There are many other fascinating species of aquatic turtles. Each turtle has specific care and feeding needs, but they can be wonderful pets for those willing to learn and commit to their well-being.