REPTILES

All reptiles found in Pennsylvania's seasonal pools are considered facultative

Spotted turtle, Clemmys guttata

This relatively small turtle averages 3 to 4 inches in length. The number and placement of yellow spots on the shell is variable. The neck and head have yellow and orange markings. It inhabits wet, marshy areas.

Wood turtle, Glyptemys insculpta

The wood turtle is semiaquatic. Depending on the time of year, they may be found either on land or in the water. The carapace or upper shell of an adult averages 5 to 8 inches. The wood turtle is rather unmistakable with bright orange skin on the neck and legs. The species name "insculpta" refers to the sculptured appearance of the scales on the carapace.

Painted turtle Chrysemys picta

The painted turtle is an aquatic species that prefers slow moving or still bodies of water. The head and neck have yellow spots and red stripes. Adult turtles average 4 to 6 inches in length.

Painted turtles are often seen basking in the spring and fall. Like other reptiles, their body temperature tracks that of their surroundings. Many of their bodily processes are temperature dependant. The rate of digestion and egg and sperm development can be increased by raising their body temperature through basking.

Snapping turtle, Chelydra serpentina

This is the largest of Pennsylvania's turtles. Carapace length may reach 12 inches. It is a top level carnivore and usually lies in wait for unsuspecting prey. While usually found in permanent bodies of water, they too will take advantage of a food source when they encounter it in occasional forays from a larger body of water.

Box turtle, Terrapene carolina

The box turtle is the most terrestrial of Pennsylvania's turtles. They average 4 ½ to 5 inches in length. The color and pattern of the markings on their shell are quite variable. During hot dry periods, the box turtles will seek out cool wet areas in which to rest in order to regulate their body temperature.

Eastern garter snake, Thamnophis sirtalis

Garter snakes are among the first snakes to emerge from their hibernaculum in the spring. They are semiaquatic. Adults may range in size from 18 to 26 inches. They have three stripes down the back. They are frequently found near water and feed on earthworms, insects and amphibians. Seasonal pools with thousands of tadpoles and salamander larvae are a good food source for the garter snake.

Credits:

Wood turtle, Box turtle: Sally Ray
Spotted turtle, Painted turtle, snapping turtle, Eastern garter snake: Jack Ray
Body lengths for all reptile species taken from Shaffer (1991).