Last Friday evening, a few daring classmates and myself hopped into a van and headed to Hueston Woods in Oxford, OH. This particular spot in the park was very secluded, and had varrying amounts of water present (anywhere from about a foot to nearly three feet). It was a very warm night at about 60 degrees, and it was raining-- not the superior weather usually hoped for by college kids, but perfect for late-night herping!
This painted turtle, Chrsemys picta, was found swimming around in the somewhat deeper portions of this pseudo-lake. It was interesting to see its behavior at night-- usually this species is seen basking. It was identified immediately by the striking yellow and red markings on its head, as well as the bright pattern on the plastron. This herp seems to have a carapace of around seven to eight inches-- a pretty standard size for this species (they grow to have a carapace length of around ten inches).
The breeding season starts in early spring, and females lay between 4 and 15 eggs in the sand. When the eggs hatch, the juviniles are on their own-- no parental care. If they survive to adulthood, they will reach sexual maturity in 3-5 years (male), or 6-10 years (female). They have a potential life span of 35 years, but hardly ever live that long.
Catherine Ade
Miami University
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