Family: Emydidae, Pond and Box Turtles view all from this family

Description Carapace that is tan, grayish brown or brown color, with a central ridge/keel made up of a pyramidal pattern of ridges and grooves. Larger scutes display a pattern of black or yellow lines. The wood turtle's plastron (ventral shell) is yellowish in color and has dark patches.

Dimensions 12.7-23cm. (5-9")

Breeding Eggs elliptical, 41mm (1 5/8") long. 6-8 in a clutch. Nests May-June. Hatch September/October. Sometimes overwinter in nest.

Habitat Woodland streams, swamps and marshy meadows.

Range Nova Scotia to Virginia, s. Quebec, Minnesota Great Lakes region. Also Iowa.

Discussion Good climber, sometimes spotted climbing 6' chain link fences. Diet includes worms, which it searches for after rainfall. Slugs, insects and tadpoles also included in diet. Once thought o be food, populations have severely decreased. Can live up to 58 years in captivity.