North America's smallest turtle — adults barely reach 4 inches. Their bright yellow neck patches are unmistakable. Critically endangered due to wetland destruction and illegal collection for the pet trade.
§ Quick facts
§ Encyclopedia
The bog turtle, also known commonly as Muhlenberg's turtle, is a critically endangered species of semiaquatic turtle in the family Emydidae. The species is native to the eastern United States. It was first scientifically described in 1801 after an 18th-century survey of Pennsylvania. The smallest North American turtle, it measures about 10 centimeters (4 in) in straight carapace length when fully grown. Although the bog turtle is similar in appearance to the painted turtle and the spotted turtle, its closest relative is actually the somewhat larger wood turtle. The bog turtle can be found from Vermont in the north, south to Georgia, and west to Pennsylvania. Diurnal and secretive, it spends most of its time buried in mud and – during the winter months – in hibernation. The bog turtle is omnivorous, feeding mainly on small invertebrates. The bog turtle is the state reptile of New Jersey.
Source: Wikipedia — Bog turtle Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0
§ Identification
Field marks. Tiny black turtle (smallest North American turtle) with bright yellow spotting on neck and head.
Similar species. Spotted Turtle (more spots; aquatic). Wood Turtle (much larger, sculpted shell).
Voice. Hisses defensively.
§ Diet & behavior
Diet. Insects, mollusks, plant matter, carrion.
Behavior. Critically endangered. Returns to natal wet meadows to nest. Most populations on private agricultural lands managed by partner farmers.
§ Range
Northeastern US (NY to GA) in isolated populations
§ Habitat
Calcareous wet meadows, sphagnum bogs, spring-fed wetlands
§ Threats
Wetland drainage, succession of open bogs to forests, illegal collection, road mortality.
§ Conservation status
According to the IUCN Red List, the bog turtle is currently classified as Critically Endangered.
§ What helps
Support private-lands wetland conservation. Report illegal collectors. Donate to NE bog turtle recovery.
§ Further reading
- Wikipedia — Bog turtle
- www.fws.gov — authoritative profile of Glyptemys muhlenbergii
- IUCN Red List · taxon 9505
- iNaturalist · taxon 39812
- GBIF occurrence records
- Encyclopedia of Life — Glyptemys muhlenbergii
§ Sources cited
- USFWS Bog Turtle Recovery
- The Nature Conservancy
- iNaturalist
- IUCN Red List 2010
