Blanding

Key identification points and similar species:
Bright yellow throat and yellow spotted shell.

Description: Bright yellow throat; hinged plastron. Carapace gray, brown to black with many small yellow spots (adults), chin and throat are bright yellow. Plastron yellow with large black blotches.

Habitat: Aquatic; seldom wanders far from water.

Size: 12.5-19 cm (5-7 in)

Diet: Omnivous.

Natural History: This turtle is readily identified at a distance by the bright yellow throat when it floats just under the surface and sticks it’s head up out of the water like a snorkel. This turtle usually hisses when picked up.

Blanding's Turtle (Emydoidea blandingii)

Key identification points and similar species: Bright yellow throat and yellow spotted shell. Description: Bright yellow throat; hinged plastron. Carapace gray, brown to black with many small yellow spots (adults), chin and throat are bright yellow. Plastron yellow with large black blotches. Habitat: Aquatic; seldom wanders far from water. Size: 12.5-19 cm (5-7 in) Diet: Omnivous. Natural History: This turtle is readily identified at a distance by the bright yellow throat when it floats just under the surface and sticks it’s head up out of the water like a snorkel. This turtle usually hisses when picked up.