Photo by Leonard Lee Rue III.
Week of Aug. 29-Sept. 4, 2004
Sweet summer days, warmed by the sun ...
Late summer is a great time for turtle-spotting. Down at the water’s
edge, cold-blooded pond turtles often sprawl out on exposed logs or rocks
to bask in the sun with heads out and toes splayed to catch as much
warmth as possible, especially after a chilly night or a long swim. If
sunning spaces are scarce, they’ll even stack themselves on top of each
other in their quest. Besides warming their bodies, basking also helps
them absorb vitamins and kill fungi on their skins and shells.
Painted turtles are the most widespread turtles in North America,
with both western and eastern varieties. They have relatively flat, dark
olive to black shells, and red or yellow stripes on their necks and legs.
Despite their relaxed disposition, however, approach quietly; at the first
sign of danger, they quickly slide into the water, and away.
Painted Turtle
Chrysemys picta
adult carapace length: 4-10 inches
Habitat: slow-moving rivers, lakes and ponds
with muddy bottoms
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