Photos by Chris Brown

Scientific name: Emys marmorata

Common name: Western Pond Turtle

Size: 4.7-7.2 in (12-18 cm)

Distinguishing characters: Low carapace with shields that have a network of lines or dashes of brown or black on a olive or dark background coming from its growth centers. Limbs and head olive, yellow, orange or brown often with darker lines, flecks or spots.

Juveniles: Tail as long as shell; head, limbs and tail marked with yellow; shields of the carapace have striking pattern of radiating lines.

Dimorphism: Male has a lighter throat; tail is much longer than that of female with cloaca extending past end of shell, whereas cloaca of female does not extend past end of shell; shell usually flatter and less marked than a female's, with underside concave.

Similar species: Although this is the only native turtle, Trachemys scripta is found introduced in many places but differs in having a greener shell, and large red markings on the side of the head.

Additional notes: An aquatic turtle that utilizes upland habitat seasonally. They occur in ponds, streams, lakes, ditches, and marshes. Surveys including trapping in upland ponds should be undertaken to verify presence or absence of this species.