Spotted Turtle

S. Gilingwater

Clemmys guttata

Description

• Small turtle, adult body length of up to 13 cm. (5 in.).
• Dark turtles with yellow ‘polka’ dots covering their carapace, head and limbs.
• Undersides of limbs are often yellow, orange or reddish.
• Males have a brownish chin with brown eyes, while females have a yellowish chin with orange eyes.

Food

• Aquatic insects, invertebrates, carrion and some plants are eaten.

Habits and Reproduction

• Hibernate both separately and communally under water, from late October to March.
• Emerge from hibernation before other turtles as they can withstand the cooler temperatures. May become dormant (a resting or sleeping state) during heat waves in the summer.
• Mating occurs from March to April, and possibly a second time in the fall.
• In late June, clutches of approximately 5 flexible eggs are laid in a hole made in the sand.
• Hatching occurs late August to September. Nest temperature will determine the sex of the turtle.
• Nearly round hatchlings are 2.5cm in size and often have one spot on each scute.
• Reach maturity between 10 and 15 years.

Habitat

• A variety of wetlands, including ponds, marshes, bogs and streams.

Threats

• Habitat loss, road mortality and collection for the pet trade are the major factors in their decline.

Conservation Actions

• Please report any sightings of spotted turtles to the Parry Sound Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks.
• Protection of even small wetlands will be important for this turtle.
• Read the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s guide to Turtle Nests and Nest Protection.
• Find an injured turtle? Please see the information on the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre’s website.