Bog turtle
The bog turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii) is a turtle found only in the eastern United States (northeast and Appalachian Mountains). It is the smallest North American turtle. It measures about 10 centimetres (3.9 in) long when fully grown. Bog turtles are threatened from loss of habitat and collection as pets.[1]
Appearance
It looks similar to the painted or spotted turtles. But it is more closely related to the larger wood turtle.[2] The bog turtle is identified by the yellow or orange spot on each side of its head and neck.[3]
Habitat
The bog turtle lives in bogs and other wetlands. They are a rare and endangered species.[2] It mostly eats insects and their larva.[1] It is unknown how long they live in the wild. In captivity they live up to 30 years.[2]
Bog Turtle Media
Two drawings of a bog turtle by John Edwards Holbrook that show both the top (carapace) and bottom (plastron). It is brown and black except for a bright yellow or orange spot on the side of its neck
Bog Turtle (Clemmys muhlenbergi)
Bog turtle habitat in the southern Appalachians of western North Carolina, during a search for turtles by conservation organisations
Walking in thick grass highlights the turtle's size
Striped skunks prey on the bog turtle.
Bog turtle sunning
A baby bog turtle held in a palm
When abraded by mud, the shell becomes smooth, as shown in this turtle.
A captive-reared bog turtle is released into the wild, with affixed radio transmitter
A controlled burn in progress
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References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Turtle Species in Massachusetts". Mass Audubon. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Paul Vander Schouw (29 April 2014). "Bog Turtle Information". Reptile Magazine/Publishing, LLC. Retrieved 26 August 2015.
- ↑ "Bog Turtle Fact Sheet". New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Retrieved 26 August 2015.