Painted Turtle

Painted Turtle

Other Names: Western Painted Turtle
Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta
Family: Emydidae

Description and Size

  • Somewhat flattened upper shell (carapace)
  • Smooth carapace
  • Shell length: 6.3-25.4 cm (2.5-10 in)
  • Carapace color: olive, brown, or black
  • Plastron color: brightly colored, red
  • Skin color: olive or brown with yellow lines
  • Males: very long tail and claws on their forelimbs

Habitat

  • Any body of water

Diet

  • Omnivorous
  • Aquatic vegetation
  • Aquatic invertebrates
  • Small fish
  • Tadpoles

Life History

  • Diurnal
  • Active season: March – mid October
  • Breeding season: Early spring and fall
  • Lays eggs
  • 1-2 clutches of 1-25 eggs per female

Range

Painted Turtle

Most common range within the last 50 years and does not include outliers. For more info email dferraro1@unl.edu.