Painted Turtle

Chrysemys picta

Up to 40 years

Painted turltes are the most widespread of North American turtles, ranging from ocean to ocean and as far north as Canada and as far south as Mexico.

Painted turtles are omnivorous and eat crayfish, insect larvae, and lake vegetation.

Females build nests by digging holes with their back feet. Young turtles break out of their shells by using an egg tooth. which is a small hard projection on the jaw.

Conservation Status

Threats in the Wild

Although their population remains stable, painted turtles are threatenedy by habitat loss, vehicle collisions, pollution and capture for the pet trade.

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