Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina
Size: 5-8 inches (12.7-20 cm) in length
PA Status: Species of special concern

Habitat Type:
Deciduous woodlands, old fields, pastures, and marshy areas.

Colorations:

• The carapace background color is brown to brownish black with a strong pattern of numerous lines, irregular blotches and bars that vary
  from yellow to bright orange.
• The plastron has a wide range of colors from immaculate yellow-brown, dark brown, brownish black to black. The pattern of the plastron also varies from: patternless;
  dark blotches; a dark central blotch that becomes lighter along the margins; a dark central blotch that branches along the seams; or radiating light lines.
• The head, neck, legs, and tail are dark brown and are usually heavily patterned
  with yellow to orange streaks, blotches, and bars.

Characteristics:

• Small terrestrial species.
• Side View – The carapace is high-domed and slightly keeled.
• Above View – The carapace is oblong with slight flaring on the posterior margins.
• The plastron is extremely broad and as long or longer than the carapace.
• The legs are well-developed and strong.
• The upper jaw is hooked terminally and has no notch.

Juvenile coloration and characteristics:

• The carapace is light brown and each carpacial scute has a single yellow spot.
• The plastron had a large dark central blotch bordered by a yellow margin.

Confused with:

• Blanding’s 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. 233-237pp.
• Ernst, Carl H. and Lovich, Jeffrey E., and Barbour, Roger W. ,1994. Turtles of the United States and Canada. 250-265pp.

Photo Credits:

• Bob Hamilton
• Wayne Fidler
• Billy Brown
• Tom Diez