Wood Turtle
Wood turtle is a species of turtle representing the genus Glyptemys, found in North America. It spends a lot of time near water and is diurnal. The species is omnivorous. Although in summer, wood turtle is considered to be terrestrial, it is seldom found wandering far from water.
Kingdom | Animalia |
Phylum | Chordata |
Class | Reptilia |
Order | Testudines |
Family | Emydidae |
Subfamily | Emydinae |
Genus | Glyptemys |
Scientific Name | Glyptemys insculpta |
Size | 14 – 20 cm; largest recorded specimen measures 23.4 cm |
Weight | 0.4 – 1.5 kg |
Color | Brown, tan or grayish-brown outer shell, scutes exhibit a design of black or yellow lines; yellow undersides with dark patches |
Distribution | Majority of New England states, Nova Scotia, Michigan, northern Indiana, Minnesota, Virginia |
Habitat | Spends spring to summer in open areas like forests, wet meadows, fields, bogs, beaver ponds; spends other seasons of the year in slow-moving streams with soft bottoms, densely vegetated banks |
Diet | Beetles, millipedes, slugs, specific fungi, grasses, mosses, various insects, carrion |
Hibernation Fact | Hibernate during winter on beds of small rivers |
Predators | Porcupines, otters, raccoons, foxes, cats, snapping turtles, common raven, coyote |
Breeding Season | Spring and fall |
Mode of Reproduction | Oviparous (egg laying) |
Clutch Size | 3 to 20 eggs |
Incubation Period | 47 to 69 days |
Reproductive Age | 14 to 18 years of age |
Average Lifespan | In Wild: Around 40 years In Captivity: Up to 58 years |
IUCN Conservation Status | Endangered |