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




Juveniles

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