The Painted Turtle is a species of turtle that is common throughout much of the United States and Southern Canada.
The bodies of these turtles have genetically adapted to enable them to withstand freezing conditions. As a result, these turtles can be found further North than most species.
Painted Turtle Taxonomy
In the Animal Kingdom, Taxonomy is used as the science and practice of classifying different species and sub-species based on their biological and genetic makeup.
Family
The family that the Painted Turtle belongs to is called Emydidae. This is a family that contains 10 different genera and almost 50 different species of turtle.
Some of the Asian Box Turtles were once classified as part of this family but have since been reclassified. This includes species such as the Asian Box Turtle and the Chinese Box Turtle.
The species in this family are commonly called terrapins, pond turtles or marsh turtles.
Genus
The genus that the Painted Turtle belongs to is called Chrysemys. This is a genus of turtles found throughout much of North America.
There is only one recognised species in this genus but there are a number of recognised sub-species.
Depending on what literature you read, some of the sub-species may be referred to as separate species but most experts only recognise one species at the time of writing.
Species
The scientific name for the Painted Turtle is Chrysemys picta and there are currently 4 recognised sub-species at the time of writing.
The nominate sub-species is the Eastern Painted Turtle. The others are the Western Painted Turtle, the Southern Painted Turtle and the Midland Painted Turtle.
The species was first described by a German naturalist named Johann Gottlob Theaenus Schneider.
Painted Turtle Description
The Painted Turtle has a smooth, flat upper shell or carapace that ranges in color from olive to black.
The most distinctive feature is the bright, colorful markings on their carapace, which can include red, orange, and yellow lines or spots, giving the appearance of brush strokes.
The bottom shell or plastron is usually yellow with some red markings. The head and limbs are also brightly colored, often featuring red or orange markings.
Natural Habitat and Distribution
The Painted Turtle has a broad geographical distribution across North America. They inhabit a range of habitats from Northern Canada to parts of Mexico.
These turtles are found throughout the United States. They are one of the most widespread and commonly encountered turtle species in North America.
The Painted Turtle can also be found in Southern Canada, particularly in regions with suitable aquatic habitats.
They can be found in provinces such as Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, and parts of eastern Canada.
Their range extends as far South as Northern Mexico, particularly in regions close to the U.S.-Mexico border.
The Painted Turtle can adapt to various aquatic habitats, including slow-moving or still waters such as ponds, lakes, and marshes.
They prefer areas with ample basking spots, as they rely on external sources of heat to regulate their body temperature.
Painted Turtle Behaviour
The Painted Turtle is known for being a good swimmer and agile on land. They are active during the daytime and are often spotted basking, foraging, or swimming.
During colder months, they enter a state of brumation (similar to hibernation) in mud at the bottom of bodies of water.
These turtles have a varied diet that includes both plant and animal matter. They feed on aquatic plants, algae, insects, small fish, and crustaceans.
The Female Painted Turtle lay eggs in sandy or loose soil near water. The eggs hatch in a few months and the hatchlings make their way to the water.