Morphological characteristics

These are robust turtles that, as adults, have a generally blackish or dark brown coloration with highly contrasting yellow lines on their face, legs, and tail. They differ from the other two subspecies by having a more yellow plastron with fewer and smaller spots, and are characterized by a yellow spot behind the eye, which is more defined in females and juveniles. Females tend to reach a larger size.

Habitat

Native to the United States (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Virginia). They live in all types of bodies of water: slow-moving rivers, reservoirs, lagoons, lakes, swamps, ponds, and rafts. These turtles are also known for leaving the water to rest on large rocks or logs, where they bask in the sun.

Feeding

They are omnivorous animals, eating small prey (invertebrates and vertebrates). They also feed on some fruits and vegetables.

Reproduction

Courtship occurs in spring and summer. The egg-laying season is from April to July, and each clutch can contain from 2 to 23 eggs. Up to five clutches can be produced per year, and the eggs incubate for between 60 and 80 days.

Threats

Hardly any threats; in fact, they themselves pose a threat to many native species and endemic vegetation, since they have been released into the wild without any control.

Degree of protection