Bog Turtle (Glyptemys muhlenbergii)
Emydid Family (Emydidae)
Bog turtle is the smallest semi-aquatic turtle in the US, reaching 3-5” in length. Its shell color is usually mahogany to black sometimes with yellowish to reddish starburst patterns. The body color is usually dark brown to brownish yellow sometimes with orange-red wash on the inside of the legs and lighter streaks on the head. It has a red, orange, or yellow spot behind its ears. Upper shell (carapace) domed and usually with prominent growth rings present. Lower shell (plastron) unhinged and usually cream and black in color. Breeding occurs in the spring. Eggs are laid during the late spring to early summer. Can live upwards of 30 years. It is omnivorous, eating many thing including insects, plants, berries, snails, and frogs. Found mostly in calcareous wetlands, bogs, meadows, springs, and marshes, in disjunct populations from the southern Appalachians to New England. Will burrow in mud. Will hibernate from fall to early spring frequently under water buried in several inches of mud. Has been illegally collected for the pet trade. Also known as Muhlenberg's tortoise and Clemmys muhlenbergii. Listed as a threatened species federally for it northern population and a threatened species due to similarity in appearance federally for it southern population. Listed as a threatened species in MD, NC, SC, and TN and an endangered species in CT, DE, GA, MA, NJ, NY, PA, and VA.
Copyright Brett Miley
