Wood Turtle
Glyptemys insculpta
Conservation Status:
Photographed by David Reik
Description
Wood turtles are five to eight inches long. They have rough shells that are brown with light highlights. The plastron is yellow with black markings, with an orange neck and limbs and a black head.
Habitat
These turtles can be found in terrestrial habitats in the summer, such as woodlands or open fields. In the spring and fall they prefer rivers and streams.
Behavior
This species is most active during the day. They can be seen basking in the sun on logs and rocks. They are almost always found close to streams. Males are aggressive and territorial towards other males. Over the winter, wood turtles hibernate at the bottom of streams. They eat algae, moss, and invertebrates. They are rarely seen due to camouflage and their secretive movements. In May or June they will lay four to twelve eggs.
Range
Present
