Spotted Turtle

Clemmys guttata

Distinguishing Characteristics

• Small, carapace (upper part of the shell) approx. 4 to 5.5 inches in length
• Carapace black with distinct, bright yellow spots
• Limbs are black on top with yellow spots, yellowish orange below
• Plastron (bottom part of the shell) yellowish with large black blotches

Back to top

Status and Distribution in Maine

• State Threatened; Species of Greatest Conservation Need
• Rare
• Southern and central regions

Back to top

Habitat

• Aquatic habitat includes slow streams, wet meadows, bogs, ponds, vernal pools, marshes, shrub swamps, and roadside ditches
• Habitats usually with abundant sphagnum moss
• Spends period of summer inactive under leaf litter in forested areas near wetlands

Back to top

Diet

• Omnivorous, eats small vertebrates, invertebrates, and vegetation
• Makes annual trips to vernal pools to feed on breeding amphibians

Back to top

Seasonal Changes

• Hibernate under hummocks or among shrub roots in red maple swamps and other wetlands

Back to top

Natural History Notes

• Can travel great distances over the course of a year, up to 1.7 miles. Nests in loose substrate within 400 feet of water
• In some areas, has been negatively impacted by illegal collection for the pet trade

Back to top