Spotted Turtle
Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
Photo Credits: Matt More
Spotted turtles live in marshes, wet pastures, Carolina bays, ditches, canals, temporary pools, and small streams. This species has a dark, nearly black shell and body covered with small yellow spots. They feed on aquatic vegetation, invertebrates, and vertebrates. The spotted turtle spends much of its time hiding under aquatic vegetation, but is observed in the spring basking in the sun.
Explore the full species profile, including their habitat, diet, and behavior on Herps of NC.