Spotted Turtle

SCIENTIFIC NAME

Clemmys guttata

DESCRIPTION

The Spotted Turtle’s upper shell is covered with small yellow or orange spots. Its limbs and tail are black with varying amounts of yellow or orange.

PHOTO GALLERY

RANGE

Southern Ontario

HABITAT

Spotted Turtles live in shallow waterbodies such a bogs, fens or swamps. They can make use of multiple small wetlands, or remain within one larger wetland. Females usually nest close to water in open areas in sand, soil or moss. In winter, Spotted Turtles hibernate under water on the bottom of these wetlands.

BEHAVIOUR

Spotted Turtles bask in spring and can be somewhat inactive during mid-summer. They are rarely found far from water. They do not reach maturity until 11 to 15 years old. Female Spotted Turtles lay one clutch of three to seven eggs in June. The sex of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature of the nest during incubation. The hatchlings emerge in late summer or early fall.

Adult Size: 9-14 cm

STATUS

Endangered (Federal)

THREATS AND/OR WHAT YOU CAN DO

Extensive loss of wetlands in the past has made the Spotted Turtle one of the rarest turtles in Canada. Invasive species such as European Reed, or Phragmites, is reducing habitat quality in many areas. Road mortality is a threat to some populations. Illegal collection of Spotted Turtles for the pet trade is a serious threat.

NOTES

Did you know? Spotted Turtle adults can likely live over 100 years.