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Painted turtle,
Chrysemys picta. |
Class: Reptiles
Order: Turtles
Family: Pond and Marsh Turtles
Species found in the Rideau River:
Painted turtle, Blanding's turtle, map turtle
Characteristics of the family:
There are generally twelve scales along the outer edge of either side
of the shell over its back. With the one at the nape, the number of scales
around the edge totals 25. The shell is sometimes adorned with coloured
designs, and the head and limbs are entirely red, orange or yellow.
| Description |
Its smooth black or brownish
shell has a red stripe down the centre of the back. The upper
edges of the scales have red markings. The breastplate has a
dark centre marking. |
| Size |
Length: 10 to 18 cm |
| Distribution |
The subspecies found in the Rideau
River is found in southern Quebec and Ontario. |
| Habitat |
Ponds, marshes, rivers and lakes.
It likes to sun on logs, rocks and stumps that stick out of
the water. |
| Food |
Plants and small animals. |
| Life cycle |
The female lays from 2 to 20
eggs. |
| Interesting facts |
In Canada, the painted turtle
is usually the most common turtle in its area. |
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Painted turtle,
Chrysemys picta. |
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