Midland Painted Turtle Chrysemys picta marginata

Identification
This turtle has a smooth dark shell with red markings along the edges. Its plastron is yellow or orange with a central dark blotch.

Location
Common statewide

Size
4 to 6 inches

Diet
It feeds on aquatic vegetation insects and small invertebrates.

Habitat
It occurs in ponds lakes and wetlands throughout Ohio.

Activity Period
April to October

Behavior
It is semi aquatic and frequently basks on logs and rocks. It is tolerant of a wide range of aquatic habitats. It is most active in warm sunny weather.

Lifecycle
Breeding occurs in spring and females lay eggs in early summer.

Population
The population is stable statewide.

History
It has long been widespread in Ohio.

Human Interactions
It is harmless and often seen basking.

Facts
It is one of the most frequently observed turtles in Ohio.

Sources
ODNR NatureServe

Aquatic plants insects small invertebrates | Ponds lakes marshes slow streams | Statewide