Emydoidea blandingii
Identification
Blanding’s Turtles have a bright, solid-yellow chin and throat and a highly-domed carapace (shell covering the back). Their carapace length can be from 7-9 inches. The carapace is dark with light flecking. The plastron (shell covering the belly) is yellow with black on the outer edges of the scutes. The posterior margin (back edge) of the carapace is smooth. The plastron is hinged, which enables it to bend and partially close the shell. You can learn more about this species and see some video footage by checking out this clip from our Rattlers, Peepers & Snappers DVD.
Range/Habitat
Blanding’s Turtles live primarily in wetlands but they also travel overland between wetlands.
Status
No populations of the Blanding’s Turtle have been located in Vermont, but they exist to the south and northwest of us, with some small populations separated from others by great distances. The possibility of a population being found in Vermont is small, but worth mentioning. Please report all suspected sightings of this species in Vermont. Take photos if possible.
Additional Photos
More Info
- Emydoidea blandingii at Animal Diversity website
- Emydoidea blandingii at Canadian Herpetological Society website
- Blanding’s Turtle Working Group information from NEPARC
