Added 25 April 2011.

Glyptemys

Wood- and Bog Turtles

Introduction

Two species formerly considered part of the genus Clemmys, but now placed in their own genus. See Bartlett and Müller for husbandry details of both species.

Species Name Common Name Location Size Notes

Glyptemys

G. insculpta North American Wood Turtle[D: Waldbachschildkröte]] Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, S Ontario, S Quebec), NE USA as far south as the Virginias (Maine, SE New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, S New York, New Jersy, Pennsylvania, Maryland, N Virginia, NE Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, NE Iowa) 23cm. A fairly terrestrial species that is however never far from water and is a good swimmer. It was sold as food as late as the early 20th century. Müller recommends it as suitable for beginners, and cites a captive record of 38 years; however a fairly large aquatic terrarium is necessary for indoor keeping, and the animals should be kept outdoors in the warmer seasons where possible. In the wild hybrids have been reported with Emydoidea blandingii and Actinemys marmorata (see Reptile Database for further information). Bartlett notes the recorded habit of "worm stomping" whereby the turtle stamps on the ground with alternating forefeet several times, causing earthworms to surface to be eaten by the turtle. According to Alderton, laboratory tests have shown that it is among the most intelligent of chelonians. Carapace: rough, with each scute pyramided; serrated rear. Plastron: obtuse rear end. Coloration: dark brown carapace; sulphur yellow plastron with dark spot on rear outer corner of each ventral plate; head and limbs dark olive brown dorsally and orange below, with some individuals having distinct red pattern on head and legs. Other: strong claws with very slight webbing. Reproduction: 3-18 eggs (normally 6-12) are laid per single annual clutch: the young have broad and low carapace, lacking orange on neck and legs. Bartlett suggests that outdoor keeping in the Deep South with a lack of winter hibernation may cause a decline in fertility after 2-3 years. [SOURCES: Bartlett, Conant and Collins, Müller]

G. muhlenbergii Bog Turtle [D: Mühlenberg-Wasserschildkröte] E USA (W Massachusetts, N Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, S Virginia, N & S Carolina, Georgia, E Tennessee) 3-3½"/7½-9cm; max 4½"/11cm. Small, semiaquatic omnivorous species that spends equal amounts of time on land and in water. The common name derives from its preference for bogs, swamps and slow-moving meadow streams: drainage of such areas has contributed to its decline and possibly the fact that much of its distribution is in disjunct colonies, hence this species is endangered, requiring a permit for collection from the wild. Bartlett notes that it likes shallow water, sphagnum moss and grass hummocks, and that it can be secretive. He records his own captives as eating berries and other fruit, insects, worms, pinkie mice, minnows, tadpoles and even frogs that enter their pen. Carapace: domed, non-serrated rear. Coloration: brown carapace whose large scutes may have yellowish or reddish centres; plastron dark brown to black, lightening in the middle; head brown with bright orange triangular marking (sometimes instead yellow or broken into two parts) behind the eye; brown head; skin brown, may be sprinkled red on upper surfaces and red or orange below. Reproduction: males have long thick tail and more concave plastron; females have flat plastron and high, broad carapace. 1-6 eggs per clutch have been reported: Bartlett records his own females laying no more than 4, but in two clutches per year, claiming that in the wild one clutch seems the norm: his egg incubation periods average 65 days. [SOURCES: Bartlett, Conant and Collins, Müller]

Biography

"Random Notes on the Pond and Blanding's Turtles," R D Bartlett, Reptile & Amphibian Hobbyist 6:6, February 2001. Covers the four members of the former genus Clemmys plus Emydoidea blandingii.

Links

The Reptile Database augmented the detailed distribution data, for which we acknowledge our thanks.

Species Name	Common Name	Location	Size	Notes
Glyptemys
G. insculpta	North American Wood Turtle[D: Waldbachschildkröte]]	Canada (Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, S Ontario, S Quebec), NE USA as far south as the Virginias (Maine, SE New Hampshire, Delaware, Connecticut, S New York, New Jersy, Pennsylvania, Maryland, N Virginia, NE Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin, NE Iowa)	23cm.	A fairly terrestrial species that is however never far from water and is a good swimmer. It was sold as food as late as the early 20th century. Müller recommends it as suitable for beginners, and cites a captive record of 38 years; however a fairly large aquatic terrarium is necessary for indoor keeping, and the animals should be kept outdoors in the warmer seasons where possible. In the wild hybrids have been reported with Emydoidea blandingii and Actinemys marmorata (see Reptile Database for further information). Bartlett notes the recorded habit of "worm stomping" whereby the turtle stamps on the ground with alternating forefeet several times, causing earthworms to surface to be eaten by the turtle. According to Alderton, laboratory tests have shown that it is among the most intelligent of chelonians. Carapace: rough, with each scute pyramided; serrated rear. Plastron: obtuse rear end. Coloration: dark brown carapace; sulphur yellow plastron with dark spot on rear outer corner of each ventral plate; head and limbs dark olive brown dorsally and orange below, with some individuals having distinct red pattern on head and legs. Other: strong claws with very slight webbing. Reproduction: 3-18 eggs (normally 6-12) are laid per single annual clutch: the young have broad and low carapace, lacking orange on neck and legs. Bartlett suggests that outdoor keeping in the Deep South with a lack of winter hibernation may cause a decline in fertility after 2-3 years. [SOURCES: Bartlett, Conant and Collins, Müller]
G. muhlenbergii	Bog Turtle [D: Mühlenberg-Wasserschildkröte]	E USA (W Massachusetts, N Delaware, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Maryland, S Virginia, N & S Carolina, Georgia, E Tennessee)	3-3½"/7½-9cm; max 4½"/11cm.	Small, semiaquatic omnivorous species that spends equal amounts of time on land and in water. The common name derives from its preference for bogs, swamps and slow-moving meadow streams: drainage of such areas has contributed to its decline and possibly the fact that much of its distribution is in disjunct colonies, hence this species is endangered, requiring a permit for collection from the wild. Bartlett notes that it likes shallow water, sphagnum moss and grass hummocks, and that it can be secretive. He records his own captives as eating berries and other fruit, insects, worms, pinkie mice, minnows, tadpoles and even frogs that enter their pen. Carapace: domed, non-serrated rear. Coloration: brown carapace whose large scutes may have yellowish or reddish centres; plastron dark brown to black, lightening in the middle; head brown with bright orange triangular marking (sometimes instead yellow or broken into two parts) behind the eye; brown head; skin brown, may be sprinkled red on upper surfaces and red or orange below. Reproduction: males have long thick tail and more concave plastron; females have flat plastron and high, broad carapace. 1-6 eggs per clutch have been reported: Bartlett records his own females laying no more than 4, but in two clutches per year, claiming that in the wild one clutch seems the norm: his egg incubation periods average 65 days. [SOURCES: Bartlett, Conant and Collins, Müller]