The Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta) is one of North America’s most widely distributed and easily recognizable freshwater turtles. Found from southern Canada down to the Gulf Coast, this species is noted for the vibrant, painted-on appearance of its shell and skin. Its striking coloration serves as a way to distinguish it from other turtle species inhabiting the same aquatic environments.
Shell Appearance: Carapace and Plastron
The shell of the Painted Turtle is composed of the upper carapace and the lower plastron. The carapace is typically smooth, oval, and relatively flattened, generally lacking a prominent central ridge or keel. Its color ranges from dark olive green to deep black, providing effective camouflage in muddy waters.
The defining feature of the carapace is the distinct coloration along its periphery. The marginal scutes, which form the rim of the shell, often feature striking red or yellowish-red markings, which give the turtle its common name. The scutes are typically arranged in alternating rows across the top. However, the Eastern Painted Turtle (C. p. picta) is unique because its vertebral and costal scutes are aligned in straight rows.
The plastron, or bottom shell, is flat and generally pale yellow or bright orange. This lighter coloration often contrasts sharply with the dark carapace. Many Painted Turtles display a dark, symmetrical blotch or figure in the center of the plastron. The size and extent of this dark pattern are primary ways to distinguish between the various subspecies.
Distinctive Head and Skin Markings
Beyond the shell, the soft tissues are adorned with bright stripes that complete its colorful appearance. The skin is dark olive or black, acting as a background for the prominent yellow and red stripes. These markings are consistent and allow for easy identification even when the turtle is submerged.
The head is particularly distinctive, featuring prominent yellow spots or lines running down the sides of the face and neck. Typically, two bright yellow spots are visible just behind each eye, which are reliable identification features. This vibrant striping continues down the neck, becoming a mix of yellow and red bands.
The limbs and tail also display a dense pattern of bright red and yellow stripes. These markings are most visible when the turtle extends its legs while swimming or basking. This coloration serves a dual purpose, likely aiding in species recognition while also helping to break up the turtle’s outline in the dappled light of its aquatic habitat.
Size and Subspecies Variations
Adult Painted Turtles are relatively small to medium-sized, with a typical carapace length ranging from 4 to 10 inches (10 to 25 centimeters). Females generally attain a larger size than males, a common feature known as sexual dimorphism. Males can also be identified by their notably elongated front claws, which are used during courtship displays.
The species is divided into four recognized subspecies, each with consistent visual differences in pattern and size.
- The Western Painted Turtle (C. p. bellii) is the largest subspecies, known for an intricate, net-like pattern of faint lines across its carapace. Its plastron features a large, dark figure extending to the shell edges.
- The Southern Painted Turtle (C. p. dorsalis) is the smallest, usually reaching a maximum shell length of about 5 inches. It is characterized by a conspicuous, narrow red or orange stripe running down the center of its dark carapace.
- The Midland Painted Turtle (C. p. marginata) has a dark blotch on its otherwise yellow plastron, which is smaller and does not reach the margins like the Western subspecies.
- The Eastern Painted Turtle (C. p. picta) is identified by its plain, unpatterned yellow plastron and the unique straight alignment of its carapace scutes.