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This site was created by students in the herpetology class at Towson University. Site last updated: 05/21/07.
Acknowledgements: Herb Harris - Range Maps; Mark Tegges - Photography; Dan Lapascha & Gigi Forester - TU Herpetology Logo
Spotted turtle
(Clemmys guttata)
Description
The spotted turtle has a smooth and dark-colored carapace usually with a variable number of round yellow to orange spots. Similar spots are present on the head, neck, and limbs as well. Males have a concave plastron, brown eyes, a horny portion of both jaws that is almost completely covered with dark pigmentation, and a vent located beyond the rim of the carapace. Females have a flat to convex plastron, orange eyes, a horny portion of both jaws that are yellowish and virtually unmarked, and a vent located within the rim of the carapace. Spotted turtles are quite small, adults usually being only 9 - 11.5 cm (3½ - 4½ in.) in length. Spotted turtles are omnivorous and appear to feed exclusively in the water. They are generally active between March and October, though they may aestivate during this period.
Habitat
This species is typically associated with shallow aquatic habitats, e.g., marshy meadows, small ponds, and flooded wood lots. The turtles use such habitats for foraging, basking, aestivation, courtship, and hibernation; however, for nesting, females usually choose drier upland habitats. Upland habitats are sometimes used for aestivation as well.
Breeding
The spotted turtle breeds between March and May. Courtship begins soon after emergence from hibernation. In June, females travel to open upland areas to nest. They generally lay one clutch with 3-4 eggs per reproductive season. Females are typically gravid only every other year after attaining sexual maturity. Eggs hatch within 11 weeks and hatchlings are usually about 2.8cm (1⅛ in.) in size.
Distribution in Maryland
Range map adapted from Harris, 1975.
Links
http://www.dec.state.ny.us/website/dfwmr/wildlife/endspec/sptufs.html
http://animaldiversity.ummz.umich.edu/site/accounts/information/Clemmys_guttata.html