Chrysemys picta is widely distributed in eastern and mid-western North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico; it reaches the Pacific Coast in the northwest (Map). Four subspecies are recognized. This turtle inhabits freshwater habitats with abundant submergent vegetation and muddy bottoms, including slow-moving streams, oxbows, marshes, swamps, beaver ponds, and lakes; readily colonizes farm ponds, impoundments, and reservoirs. It has a dark and smooth carapace, 9-25 cm long. The skin is olive to black with red, orange, or yellow stripes on the head, neck, and limbs. Painted Turtles are active from March to November. Mating takes place early in spring, and the females nest in May-June, laying 2-10 eggs in sandy areas or on roadsides. The eggs hatch in late summer-early fall, but hatchlings usually overwinter and emerge the following spring. Adults hibernate in the mud at the bottom. This species is omnivorous and feeds on aquatic vegetation, insects, crustaceans, mollusks, small fish, and carrion. Although C. picta suffers considerable road mortality, habitat loss, and nest predation, it remains the most common turtle in North America. Longevity in the wild may exceed 45-50 years.

		5540 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Huffs Island, Prince Edward County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		8401 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Long Point, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		5547 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata), juvenile Huffs Island, Prince Edward County Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D33015 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D38418 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) excavating nest Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D41271 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		3452 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) Guelph, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D32792 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata) crossing a road Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
		D32716 Midland Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta marginata); roadkilled Bruce Peninsula, Ontario, Canada Copyright © Michael Patrikeev All Rights Reserved
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