The wood turtle (Glyptemys insculpta) is a turtle endemic to North America. It is in the genus Glyptemys, a designation given to only one other turtle: the bog turtle. They have a rough carapace that is a tan, grayish brown or brown color, with a central ridge (called a keel) made up of a pyramidal pattern of ridges and grooves. Older turtles typically display an abraded or worn carapace. The larger scutes display a pattern of black or yellow lines. The wood turtle's plastron (ventral shell) is yellowish in color and has dark patches. The posterior margin of the plastron terminates in a V-shaped notch. Although sometimes speckled with yellowish spots, the upper surface of the head is often a dark gray to solid black.
Ten Facts about Wood Turtle
- Wood turtles grow to between 14 and 20 centimeters (5.5 and 7.9 in) in length, and reach a maximum of 23.4 centimeters (9.2 in).
- Fully grown, they weigh 1 kilogram (35 oz).
- The wood turtle becomes sexually mature between 14 and 18 years of age.The wood turtle is found in most New England states, Nova Scotia, west to Michigan and Minnesota,[5] and south to Virginia.
- During the spring, the wood turtle is active during the daytime (usually from about 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.).
- During times of extreme heat, it has been known to estivate.
- The wood turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on plant matter and animals both on land and in water. It eats prey such as beetles, millipedes, and slugs.
- Predators include snapping turtles, porcupines, beavers, raccoons, otters, foxes, and cats.
- Once it is certain that the two individuals will mate, the male will gently bite the female's head and mount her. Intercourse lasts between 22 and 33 minutes.
- Nesting occurs from May until July. Nesting areas receive ample sunlight, contain soft soil, are free from flooding, and are devoid of rocks and disruptively large vegetation.
- The wood turtle can be expected to live for 40 years in the wild, with captives living up to 58 years.
