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The
upper shield, or shell, covering the back
Identification
As its name implies, this semi-aquatic, small, dark turtle can be identified
from the yellow spots that are scattered on its smooth and broad carapace.
Occasionally, the carapace of some individuals may be devoid of spots, and this
most frequently occurs in older individuals and juveniles. However, the presence
of yellow and orange spots on the head, neck and limbs will aide in identification
– further characteristics that this is a truly “spotted” turtle.
Distribution and Status
The distribution of the Spotted Turtle is largely confined to two main areas,
the Eastern Seaboard and the Great Lakes region. The Eastern Seaboard range
is continuous from southern Maine to northern Florida. The Great Lakes range
extends from western New York and western Pennsylvania west through northern
Ohio and Indiana, and southern Ontario through to northeastern Illinois and
western Michigan. There are also several disjunct populations in central Indiana,
South Carolina and North Carolina, southeastern Quebec and southern Ontario
(US
distribution map;
Midwest distribution map). In the Midwest, the Spotted Turtle is
a species of concern in all states in which it is found. In Illinois and Indiana,
they are listed as state Endangered, and in Michigan and Ohio they are listed
as state Threatened. The Spotted Turtle is not found in Iowa, Minnesota,
Missouri or Wisconsin. Click HERE
for state by state status descriptions.
A plant community growing in wet, acidic areas. Decomposition is very slow in these areas and as a result peat, a layer of partially broken down plant material, develops. Plants growing in these areas are very specialized as nutrient levels are quite low. A plant community that is growing where ground water comes to the surface. The ground water source may be permanent, seasonal or only periodic. The substrate is peat (largely composed of partially decomposed vegetation) or mineral soils and may be alkaline, neutral or slightly acidic. Sedges are often a dominant plant in these areas. Isolated wetlands that form in depressions in the landscape and are fed by rain and shallow groundwater. They are restricted to near the coast of the southeastern United States.
Ecology
Spotted Turtles use a wide variety of habitat types across their range, however,
they are most frequently encountered in shallow, well-vegetated wetlands with
soft substrates. Such areas include marshes, wet pastures, bogs,
fens,
swamps, Carolina
bays, woodland streams and drainage ditches. Researchers believe Spotted
Turtles reach sexual maturity between 7 to 10 years, and they can live to reach
30 years! While the Spotted Turtle is mostly aquatic, they do travel across
land to other wetland complexes, and also to nesting areas. Because of this,
individuals often fall victim to automobiles.
Threats and Management Issues
Fragmentation and loss of wetland habitats, has resulted in population declines
across the entire range of the Spotted Turtle. The Spotted Turtle has also been
collected in high numbers for the pet trade industry. The survival of this species
relies on the conservation and management of suitable habitat, particularly
shallow wetland complexes, throughout its range. Public education is also urgently
needed to help decrease the numbers of Spotted Turtles collected for sale as
pets. The Habitat
Management Guidelines for Reptiles and Amphibians of the Midwest is an excellent
resource for land managers and owners with these turtles on their properties.
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.
Links to more information on the Spotted Turtle outside the Herp Center
University of Michigan Museum of Zoology - A detailed site with a few photos under the 'media' section.
West Virginia DNR - adequate detail, but primarily directed at children.
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