Description

Pseudemys concinna is a large pond and river turtle found throughout the state and a large area of the southeast. Shell is oval-shaped, olive or dark brown, often with a “streamlined” shape with serrated edges on the posterior of the carapace (Guyer et al., 2015). Yellow markings can have a variety of prevalence on the carapace, and an identifying trait is a “C” shape on the second pleural scutes. A narrow arrow shape may exist between the eyes. Individuals usually have 5 narrow lines between the eyes, and other typical yellow markings found in Emdydids (Powell et al., 2016).

Identifying Traits

• Light “C” on second pleurals
• “Streamline” shell shape
• No “teeth” on beak as in P. alabamensis

Habitat

Found in a wide variety of water bodies, often taking liking to flowing streams

Behavior

Often found basking in wetlands, nests in sandy soils

Diet

Aquatic and wetland vegetation