Return to the Reptilia Index

Turtle (Painted)
Chrysemys picta

Class  

Reptiles

Movie Link  

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Range  

They are found across Canada from B.C. to Nova Scotia and south all over the eastern and northwestern U.S. and in a few spotty places in the southwest.

Habitat  

They live in ponds, lakes, and wetlands of all sizes.

Body Traits  

They are 4 – 10 inches long with a greenish-black shell (carapace) that has yellow or red edges. They have red and yellow stripes on their neck, legs, and tail.

Habits  

They like places with fallen trees or rocks in the water so they can come out of the water and sun themselves which keeps their bodies warm. Warming their bodies helps them stay healthy.

Diet  

They eat water plants mostly, but also take small fish, frogs and water insects. They eat more meat as babies and as they age become more plant eaters.

Predators  

As adults, they can be killed by raccoons, snapping turtles, and other predators.

Reproduction  

Females lay 3 - 14 eggs in a nest she digs in the sand. Eggs hatch in about 9 – 11 weeks.


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