Identification
The most defining characteristic of this turtle is the red stripes on the limbs
and neck, as well as the red markings around the edge of the shell. The smooth
carapace is oval and slightly flared and varies in coloration from blackish,
brown to olive green. In addition, a Middorsal stripe is usually absent, or
poorly developed. The margins of the plates on the carapace may have yellowish,
red, or brown markings. The plastron is usually flesh, reddish, or orangish
in coloration and often has a pattern of dark and light lines that cover half
of it. All painted turtles have black or olive skin adorned with yellow stripes
on the upper neck, legs, and tail. Also, the upper jaw of painted turtles is
notched and has two tooth-like projections.
Distribution and Status
The natural range of the Midland Painted Turtle extends from Quebec south through
New York and Pennsylvania to Tennessee. Located in a majority of the Midwest,
Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri are the only Midwestern states in which the Midland
Painted turtle is absent. (US
distribution map; Midwest
distribution map).
Ecology
Painted Turtles live in slow-moving permanent bodies of water, preferring a
soft bottom, abundant aquatic plant life, and places to bask such as rocks,
logs, or floating vegetation. They have been known to occupy other bodies of
water such as ditches, and on occasion will also temporarily inhabit moderately
moving streams or rivers. Painted Turtles are not afraid to move about on the
land to move to and from water sources.
Threats and Management Issues
In the wild, many predators prey upon Painted Turtles of all life stages, raccoons
being chief among them. Human interaction such as habitat destruction, use of
pesticides, exploitation in the pet trade, as well as death by firearms and
automobiles are the Painted Turtle’s greatest threats.
Resources
Ernst. C. H., J. E. Lovich and R. W. Barbour. 1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. Smithsonian Institution Press, USA.
General reference guides and websites.
Bruce Kingsbury, Director
Center for Reptile and Amphibian Conservation and Management
Science Building
Indiana-Purdue University
2101 East Coliseum Blvd.
Fort Wayne, IN 46805-1499