midland painted turtle (Chrysemys picta)

Today (29 April 2010) our herp class went out to Bachelor pond. The TA set up turtle traps the day before, using sardines as bait. It was a sunny, warm day--and my last class as an undergraduate! So, I was in a great mood.

Unfortunately though, traps dont always mean turtles, as we learned earlier in the day at site 1. But hopefully this would be the lucky spot. We saw turtles basking on fallen logs as we approached the first trap, which was a good sign. The TA waded out to the trap, raised it, and there they were - 2 male, midland painted turtles.

Midland painted turtles (Chrysemys picta), are omnivorous, aquatic Emydids. they have a smooth, low carapace and long claws. Males typically have a lower carapace and longer claws. These turtles prefer slow-moving, shallow water. They also bask a lot so are commonly seen.

(posted by Maura Reilly)