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

Product Review: Gen7 Traveler Portable Pet Bed

Cats on the go need a comfy place to rest their weary paws. We tested the Gen7 Traveler Portable Pet Bed to see if it would pass the finicky feline test.

Bardino Majorero

The Bardino Majorero was traditionally used as a cattle dog and livestock guardian. This means he can sometimes be aloof or even aggressive around strangers

Pawsome Cat Products You Can Buy on Etsy

We love shopping on Etsy! It''s the best place to buy handmade, one-of-a-kind gifts for your kitty.

Pomston

Pomston dogs are loved for their friendly, easy-going character and loyal nature, and they make perfect companions for families, seniors, and singles.

Adoptable Dog Of The Week – Spankee

Meet Spankee, our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Spankee is an adult English Pointer and Dalmatian Mix from Newcastle, Oklahoma. He’s already neutered, hou…

Dogs On The Inside: Inspiring Documentary About Rescue Dogs and Inmate

This touching movie follows a program that aims to save shelter dogs while giving inmates a new perspective on life. Life is not always easy for humans. In t…

Top 10 Howlarious Dog Halloween Costumes

This year, I went looking for the coolest, rib-tickling dog Halloween costumes you can buy (online to boot!) and have delivered right to your door.

Adoptable Dog of the Week - Nacho

If you lack some fun in your life, this goofy boy is more than ready to provide it! Our Adoptable Dog of the Week is Nacho, a 2 year old Labrador Retriever from Salt Lake City, Utah.

What You Don’t Know About Addison’s Disease In Dogs

Were going to go over Addisons Disease in dogs, so you can better understand it and help your dog live a normal, active life.

Labany

The Labany is a sweet, gentle, sociable dog who loves to be included in all family activities. This dog just loves to please his owner/family.

Patterpoo

The Patterpoo is a hybrid of a Patterdale Terrier and a Miniature Poodle. This dog is affectionate and loves to snuggle up with his family in the evening.

Pomimo

The Pomimo is a cross between a purebred Pomeranian and American Eskimo. They''re wonderful first-time pets for families who have children.

Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treat Recipe

What do you do with bananas that are about to turn to the dark side? My latest brown banana went into this Peanut Butter and Banana Dog Treat Recipe.

Eye Spy on My Pets With the IFamCare Helmet Home & Pet Monitor

Being away from your pet is never pleasant, but thanks to iFamCare''s Helmet pet monitor, you can feel like your pet is at the office with you!

5 Tips to Prepping Your Pet For Tornado Season

Prepare your pet for a tornado warning. With storm season approaching, keep these tips in mind to keep your pets safe when you need to take shelter.