Spotted Turtle

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Spotted Turtle

Size
Small
Length
Type
Semi-aquatic
Lifespan
100+ years
Food
Commercial turtle diet, insects, worms, meats, aquatic plants, leafy green vegetables
Difficulty Of Care
Low Maintenance
Comparable Breeds
Central American Wood Turtle, Bog Turtle
ADVERTISEMENT

Spotted Turtle General Info

The Spotted Turtle is an attractive species, but its wild populations are declining as a result of the pet trade taking these animals out of their natural habitats. Therefore, if you are planning on introducing these turtles into your family, make sure that you are purchasing them from a reputable breeder who can guarantee that your turtles were born in captivity.

The Spotted Turtle is considered one of the smallest turtles in the United States.

Native Habitat

ADVERTISEMENT

Spotted Turtles can be found across the northeastern portion of North America, but they are primarily found in the Great Lakes region of Canada and the United States, as well as along the eastern seaboard.

This species prefers shallow bodies of water, such as marshes, sedge meadows, swamps, bogs, woodland brooks and streams, and seasonal and permanent ponds. These turtles will go on land when they travel between wetlands, and when they need to use land for nesting and hibernation.

Overall Description

The Spotted Turtle is considered one of the smallest turtles in the United States.

Even though these turtles feature a hingeless plastron, you can differentiate males from females because the males will have a slightly concave plastron, while the females will feature a flat plastron. Also, males will have a thicker and longer tail than females.

This breed’s most distinguishing feature is its shell, which features yellow spots that increase in number as the animal ages. There could sometimes be over 125 spots scattered across the face and shell of a Spotted Turtle, while a younger turtle will only have a few spots, such as one on each scute.

There can sometimes be over 125 spots scattered across the face and shell of a Spotted Turtle.

Colors

The Spotted Turtle can be recognized easily, thanks to its distinct orange to yellow colored spots on its brownish-black carapace. This spotting pattern also extends to the dark limbs and head. The legs are mostly black but will also have yellow spots, along with orange and red colors mixed in.

When looking at a Spotted Turtle, you will note a large orange or yellow blotch on either side of the head. Also, the plastron will be orange to yellow in color, and it will have big black patches on every scute. These patches typically become darker, as well as more extensive, as the turtle ages.

Males typically have brown eyes, along with a black, brown, or tan chin. Females, on the other hand, with have a yellow, reddish, or orange chin and orange eyes.

Environment

ADVERTISEMENT

Your Spotted Turtle’s enclosure should contain a basking area so that your pet can easily climb out of the water and dry himself off completely. Place a heat lamp roughly 12” above the basking area, and also have UVB lighting for your pet in order to simulate natural sunlight and help his body synthesize vitamin D. Keep the temperature over the basking area at around 90°F.

To keep your turtle healthy, you will need to provide him with clean water, so a high quality filtration system should be set up. An oxygen pump that adds a bit of splashing at the water’s surface can help with oxygen flow as well. Just make sure that the water doesn’t come into contact with the dry basking area.

The depth of the water should only be around 4-6” because Spotted Turtles are not good swimmers, so they should only have shallow water. Deeper waters can cause these pets to drown. You can also provide artificial plants throughout the enclosure to help prevent drowning. Maintain the water temperature around 65°F with the help of a high quality water heater.

When it comes to substrate, choose from dirt, sand, and small to medium sized rocks for the Spotted Turtle. The tank itself should be at least 55 gallons, and you can place three Spotted Turtles into this size enclosure, as they will have enough room to swim and bask.

Spotted Turtles should be handled sparingly and for a short amount of time.

Care Requirements

Although a Spotted Turtle will enjoy a varied diet, this breed is mainly carnivorous. These animals will eat insects, waxworms, earthworms, mealworms, tadpoles, crickets, crab, and meats like poultry and beef. They will also do well on a commercial turtle diet, and can also be given some aquatic vegetation and leafy greens.

Behavior

You can house more than one Spotted Turtle in the same enclosure, and you can also set up a community tank that includes Spotted Turtles, Bog Turtles, and Wood Turtles.

Even though you might want to hold your Spotted Turtle a lot, these animals should only be handled sparingly and for a short amount of time, such as for about 20 minutes a few times every week. Avoid handling any Spotted Turtles that you have recently added to your family, as they should get used to their new home and become completely comfortable first.

Remember that, because these turtles are endangered in their wild habitats, you should make it a point to purchase only from sellers who can prove that their turtles have been bred in captivity.

Photo credit: Ontario Nature/Flickr; Steve Byland/Bigstock; Jay Ondreicka/Bigstock

ADVERTISEMENT

ADVERTISEMENT

You May Like

Eastern Box Turtle

The Eastern Box Turtle is beautiful to look at, but doesn''t like being handled. The design and colors vary from one turtle to another.

Moluccan King Parrot

If you want a friendy pet that loves the company of other birds and is ideally suited for an aviary, then the Moluccan King Parrot is perfect for you.

New Stats Show Kids Most At Risk For Being Bitten By Dogs

National Dog Bite Prevention Week helps shed a light on how to teach children to understand doggy body language and the danger of ignoring warning signs. W…

The Best Coffee Table Books About Dogs

A picture says a thousand words. And these photographers have lots to say about dogs - beautiful pictures that will give you a new perspective on pooches.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Rosie

Say hi to Rosie, our Adoptable Dog of the Week from Adoptapet.com. Rosie is a young Golden Retriever mix from North Little Rock, AR. She is already spayed, h…

Cockatiel

One of the world''s most recognizable birds, Cockatiel is the go-to choice for an avian family pet, due to their friendly and easygoing personality.

Mountain Mastiff

The Mountain Mastiff is a cross between a purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Mastiff. It''s a popular breed because they are sensitive, docile, and kind.

Lucernese Hound

Bred to hunt a wide variety of game including hare, fox, and deer, the Lucernese Hound is happiest when he is out in the field doing his work.

Who Knew? Abu Dhabi Has Its Very Own “Cat Island”

An island full of cats... Yes, please! This might just be our next vacation destination. And they need our help to keep the inhabitants happy and healthy.

Keep Food Fresh With SureFlap’s Surefeed Sealed Pet Bowl

Signed, sealed, and delivered... when it comes to keeping your pet''s food fresh! A lid opens and closes automatically to ensure dinner doesn''t dry up.

12 Chihuahua Curios We Covet

No Chihuahua-loving home is complete without envy-inducing collectibles depicting the pocket-sized breed. Here are 12 Chihuahua curios we covet!

DIY Vintage Suitcase Dog Bed

An easy do-it-yourself project, all it takes to make this vintage suitcase dog bed is some bargain hunting, a little elbow grease and a touch of flair!

Hilarious Sleeping Dogs Featured in ‘Resting Bitch Face’ Coffee Ta

Kickstart a hilarious coffee table book of sleeping dogs and their hilariously awkward faces -- you''ll laugh yourself to sleep!

Golden Corgi

Corgis and Golden Retrievers are some of the most adored dog breeds on the planet, and their mixed offspring doesn’t disappoint, either.

Bullmastiff

These large dogs boast great endurance, strength, and a solid body. The Bullmastiff is protective and fearless when protecting its master and family.