Range

North America is the native home of the painted turtle. Here they can be found throughout Canada, Mexico and the United States.

Introduced populations have been established in Germany, Indonesia, the Philippines and Spain. They have also been introduced to the state of California in the USA where they did not naturally occur.

Habitat

Painted turtles are semi-aquatic. They make their home in rivers and marshes. Their habitats may include permanent or temporary water bodies. Often their habitat includes densely vegetated waters that have little to no flow. They favor rivers with soft, muddy bottoms.

Reproduction

Breeding takes place from mid-spring to mid-summer.

The female lays between 2 and 20 soft-shelled eggs in her clutch. The nest is between 10 and 12cm (4-4.7in) deep and dug in soft, sandy soil. These are incubated for between 60 and 80 days.

Young are independent as soon as they hatch.

The gender of the hatchlings is determined by the temperature at which they incubate. Low temperatures produce males while the higher temperature creates males.

Behavior

During the day they will bask in the sun to obtain warmth. Large groups may be seen basking together. A group of turtles is called a 'bale.' Sitting in the sun also helps to keep their skin free of parasites.

Throughout winter they may hibernate by burrowing in the mid during which time their body becomes very cold.

Predators and Threats

Natural predators of the painted turtle include fish, mammals such as otters, foxes, racoons and birds.

To defend themselves against predators the painted turtle can pull its head and legs inside the shell. They may also bury themselves in the mud.

Humans impact their population through habitat loss, vehicle strike, pollution, capture for the pet trade and increased predation from species which thrive near human settlements.

Quick facts

Four US states list the painted turtle as their state reptile.

Painted turtles are the most common turtle species in the United States.