Spotted Turtle
The spotted turtle (Clemmys guttata) is a small freshwater turtle found throughout much of eastern North America. It is one of the most common turtle species in the region and is appreciated for its beauty and docile nature. Belonging to the family Emydidae, the Clemmys guttata turtle is the only member of the genus Clemmys; previously, other species were part of the genus Clemmys.
Its conservation status is not endangered, but habitat loss and water contamination can be potential threats to its long-term survival. Proper conservation measures should be implemented to protect its habitat and prevent water pollution in the areas where it is found.
Where does the spotted turtle live? Distribution
The spotted turtle has a wide geographic distribution in the southeastern United States, ranging from southern Ontario and Maine to northern Florida, including inland areas such as southern Great Lakes, western Ontario, New York State, Pennsylvania, central Ohio, northern Indiana and Michigan, and southern Illinois. Other areas where it can be found further south include Georgia and central Florida.
Characteristics
It is easily recognizable thanks to its blue or black pattern with irregularly sized yellow spots covering its back, head, neck, and legs. In some older individuals, the spotting may fade, but none are completely dark.
Its back is smooth, without a keel or serrated edges, even in young individuals. The underside of its marginals is yellowish, sometimes with black spots, especially in juveniles.
The bridges show a characteristic elongated black mark on a yellow background.
The plastron is yellow or orange, with large black spots on the edges that may invade the plastron in older individuals.
The head is medium-sized with the upper jaw slightly protruding and shaped like a parrot's beak. Along the neck, the fine yellow spots sometimes form lines that pass under the eye to the base of the neck. The female's chin is usually yellowish, while in the male it is brown. The eyes are yellow-orange in females and brown in males.
Juveniles are also dark blue, with a single yellow spot on each of the carapace scutes, except for the cervical.
Habits
This species is known for inhabiting a variety of aquatic habitats, including wetlands and calm watercourses, as well as wet meadows and soft soils near rivers and forests.
It is capable of withstanding quite cold temperatures and can hibernate for several months in the north of its range, while in the south it aestivates in burrows dug by other animals or in the mud of dry watercourses.
How long does the spotted turtle live?
The spotted turtle is a species that is notably sensitive in captivity, and may not live many years under these conditions as it requires experience. This species can live up to 40 or 50 years.
How big is the spotted turtle?
It is a small turtle that reaches a length of up to 13 centimeters. Females, as is common in turtles, are larger than males, but in this species the difference is not as noticeable as in others.
What does the spotted turtle eat?
- Alimentación Carnívora reptiles como lo hacen los profesionales
- Para Tortugas y terrapins.
- equilibrada mezcla.
Spotted turtle care
- NUEVA Bomba rediseñada y fabricada con precisión y estabilizadores de goma que amortiguan la vibración hacen estos filtros un 25% más silencioso que la generación anterior.
- NUEVA Filtración multietapa, con cestas independientes con agarres para sacar fácilmente los materiales filtrantes.
- NUEVO Cebado rápido reforzado con fibra es muy fácil de usar solo con 2 dedos.
- NUEVAS Válvulas AquaStop ergonómicas con borde levantado para un mantenimiento sencillo, ahora son 2 veces más fuertes.
- NUEVAS Asas de bloqueo reforzadas con fibra se sacan fácilmente.
- Ideal para todo reptil habitante de desierto
- Alta producción de UVB
- Elevada conversión de D3
- Efectiva hasta 50 cm (20")
- Suministra los rayos UVB necesarios para el metabolismo óptimo del calcio
Reproduction
The species has lively mating, which occurs between May and June in the north and between March and April in the south, at the edge of swampy areas. The male chases the female on the shore and then catches her in the water to mate.
They usually lay two clutches, with a maximum of 8 fairly small eggs. The incubation period is about 80 days and the hatchlings measure 30 mm and weigh between 5 and 8 g. The hatchlings hibernate in the nest in the north of their range and wait until spring to emerge.
Conservation status
Spotted turtles are not classified as an endangered species but are increasingly threatened throughout their range. This species is listed in CITES Appendix II, which means that international trade in the turtle is regulated and restricted to ensure its conservation and survival.
It is a turtle species that is increasingly threatened due to human activity. The alteration of its natural habitat, the sale of the spotted turtle, and intensive agriculture are the main factors contributing to its decline.
Contenido relacionado