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Abbreviation Legend
- (CE) - Criticially Endangered
- (CI) - Critically Imperiled
- (E) - Endangered
- (I) - Introduced
- (IM) - Imperiled
- (NT) - Near Threatened
- (T) - Threatened
- (V) - Vulnerable
- (**) - Recent Classification Change
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Pond, Marsh, and Box Turtles of the United StatesPage 1 of 2
These turtles found north of Mexico are small to medium sized turtles with horny scute covered shells, twelve marginal scutes on each side of the carapace, and six pairs of scutes on the plastron. The plastron and bridge are well developed. Unlike tortoises, the hind feet are flattened and slongated with some webbing. With the exception of the high domes Terrapene, their shells are low profile. Blanding's and box turtles have a single plastral hinge.
Most of this type of turtle are semiaquatic, Grapytemys and Malaclemys are the most highly aquatic, while Clemmys and Terrapene are the most terrestrial. Diet is varied, while generally omnivorous, some species are carnivorous as juveniles and essentially herbivorous as adults. Basking behavior is well developed. The courtship pattern of emydids is often elaborate. Male Chrysemys may face females and stroke her head and neck with his elongated foreclaws. Egg and clutch size vary with species, subspecies, size of females, and latitude. From 2 to 25 elliptical eggs are typically deposited in a flask slaped nest. Northern forms usually next once a season while southern can nest 2 or 3 (or more) times a season.
There 46 species of Pond, Marsh, and Box Turtles in the United States, 36 are native to the U.S. and 10 are Introduced.
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