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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

    Wood Turtle Pictures Gallery

    Published on October 29th 2016 by under Turtles. Article was last reviewed on 7th June 2019.

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