Bog Turtle

Scientific Name: Clemmys muhlenbergii
Size: 3-4 inches (7.6-10 cm) in length
PA Status: Endangered Species

Habitat Type:
Bogs and wet meadows with tussock grass.

Colorations:

  • The carapace is brown to brownish black. Each scute may have a light center or radiating lines.
  • The plastron is brown to brownish black and may have some light marks.
  • The lower marginals and bridge are the same color as the carapace.
  • The skin of the head, neck, legs, and tail are brown and may be mottled with red dorsally; and mottled with a lighter orange, red or yellow ventrally.
  • The head has two large yellowish orange to reddish blotches; located on each side of the head, behind the eyes and below the tympanum.

Characteristics:

  • Small aquatic species.
  • Profile View - The carapace is domed with a low middorsal keel.
  • Above View - The carapace is elongate and fairly straight sided.
  • The carapace surface has deeply etched growth rings that give the shell a rough appearance.
  • The posterior marginals flare slightly and are smooth or weakly serrated.
  • The plastron is large and the bridge is broad.
  • The legs are stout and well-developed.
  • The head and neck are moderate in size.
  • The stout is not prominent.
  • The upper jaw is medially notched.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

  • Similar to adults.

Confused with:

  • Spotted Turtle

Coloration/Pattern Photos:
Adults
Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - By: Tim Maret Bog Turtle - By: Tim Maret
Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull
Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull
Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - By: Bob Bull
Juveniles
Bog Turtle - Juvenile - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - Juvenile - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - Juvenile - By: Bob Bull
Bog Turtle - Juvenile - By: Bob Bull Bog Turtle - Juvenile - By: Bob Bull

Range Map:
Bog Turtle Range Map

References:

  • Hulse, C. and McCoy C. J. and Ellen Censky ,1998. Amphibians and Reptiles of Pennsylvania and the Northeast. 215-219pp.
  • Ernst, Carl H. and Lovich, Jeffrey E., and Barbour, Roger W. ,1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. 213-221pp.

Photo Credits:

  • Tim Maret
  • Bob Bull