Painted Turtle Characteristics

The painted turtle, also known by its scientific name, Chrysemys picta, is a common turtle found throughout North America, and is easily found in the wild. Since some species of pet turtles such as box turtles and red-eared sliders look similar and are often released into the wild, it is important to know the characteristics of the painted turtle to help with identification.

  1. Physical Appearance

    • The painted turtle̵7;s shell generally grows to about six inches in length, making it a medium-sized turtle. It can, however, reach a length of nine inches. Its carapace, or shell, is smooth with no pronounced ridges and is either shades or olive green or black in color on top and tan underneath. The distinguishing physical characteristic of a painted turtle is the colorful markings on its body. Its head and limbs have markings of bright red and yellow giving it a painted appearance. Like other turtles, painted turtles lack teeth. They also have a more aquatic look than some turtles with webbed feet.

    Habitats

    • Painted turtles prefer still or slow-moving waters found in ponds, streams, creek or rivers. Bodies of water with muddy bottoms are preferred. They also like the water to be fairly shallow and contain soft bottoms, where they spend their winter hibernating. They can often be found basking on floating logs and exposed rocks; however, they are not often found on land, unless it is time for the female to lay her eggs.

    Diet

    • Painted turtles are opportunistic eaters. Their diets include aquatic plants and insect larvae. When it comes to vegetation, they enjoy a meal of pondweed and young cattails. Algae are a favorite, as well. If they are available, painted turtles will also make a meal of crayfish and mollusks.

    Reproduction

    • The female painted turtle is larger than the male of the species, but the males have longer claws on their front limbs. Mating occurs from mid-April to July. The males have a mating ritual in which they use their front limbs to caress the cheeks of their female mates. Once the pair is ready to mate, they make their way to the bottom of the river or pond they are living in. The female then lays between four and 20 eggs in an open, sunny area, on land. The eggs will hatch either during the winter or spring, usually 70 to 104 days after they were laid.