Emydidae belongs to the kingdom Animalia which includes animals. The phylum Chordata includes chordates. chordates are all organisms that possess a notochord during part of their development.
Emydidae furthermore belongs to the Class Reptilia which includes reptiles. Emydids belong to the Order Testudines which includes all turtles.
The family Emydidae includes about 10 genera and 45 species. These species can be found in Asia, Africa, Europe, northern South America, Central America, and North America. This family is the largest among turtles.
Arguably, it also contains the most diverse species of turtles. Most emydids can be found across North America. Species of the Family Geoemydidae used to be part of Emydidae, but they do not anymore.
Emydids are typically freshwater reptiles although some such as the diamondback terrapin is known to live in brackish water and box turtles are generally terrestrial.
Emydids can be primarily herbivorous such as the northern redbelly turtle to primarily carnivorous such as the European pond turtle.
Animals that the emydids feed on include fish, crustaceans, and annelids. Many of the species are carnivorous when young but become herbivory when they mature. Plants the species mostly eat are aquatic vegetation such as duckweed and algae.
The lifespan of emydids can be as low as 15 years. This is true about map turtles which are commonly kept as pets. Some species such as western pond turtles can live to be over 80 years.
Most emydids have relatively flat carapaces although some such as box turtles are high domed.
Usually, the carapace of emydids has one or several ridges that run ventrally. Map turtles are known to have these ridges which are called keels.
Emydids usually have large plastrons. Some such as box turtles have hinged plastrons that can be closed.
Apart from the wood turtle, all emydids have their sex determined by the temperature of where they laid as eggs. Wood turtles demonstrate genetic sex determination.
The family Emydidae was first described and named by the French biologist Constantine Samuel Rafinesque-Schmaltz.
Table of Contents
Species Within The Family Emydidae
Map Turtles (Graptemys)
1. Mississippi Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys pseudogeographica
- Length: 3.5 to 11 inches (9 to 27 cm)
- Mass: 39 to 63 oz ( 1 to 2 kg)
- Lifespan: 30 to 50 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Also known as the false map turtle, Graptemys pseudogeographica is a common species found in the United States. This turtle is endemic to the Mississippi and Missouri rivers and the basins of these two rivers.
There are two subspecies, these are G. p. pseudogeographica and G. p. kohnii.
G. pseudogeographica can be found in large bodies of water such as large creeks and rivers.
The species is also known as the sawback turtle because of the vertebral row of spines on the carapace and the serrations on the posterior rim. The carapace of this turtle is brown to olive.
There are yellowish marks on the carapace.
2. Northern Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys geographica
- Length: 3.5 to 10.5 inches (9 to 27 cm)
- Lifespan: 5.5 years in captivity
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Graptemys geographica can be found in the St. Lawrence drainage in Canada. The geographic range farther extends through the great lakes and into eastern Minnesota and southern Wisconsin to the west; Alabama, Tennessee, Arkansas, Oklahoma, and Kansas to the south; and finally to northwestern Georgia.
The species can also be found in the Delaware River system and the Susquehanna River system in Pennsylvania.
This turtle has a grayish brown to olive carapace with yellowish lines on the carapace. These markings resemble waterways/contours on a chart or map thus the common name – map turtle.
This species is commonly kept as pets.
3. Ringed Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys oculifera
- Length: 4 to 9 inches (11 to 22 cm)
- Lifespan: 27 to 31 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The ringed map turtle is also known as a ringed sawback. This species is endemic to the pearl river system in Louisiana and Mississippi. The species is most common in the main channel of the river.
As with most map turtles, G. oculifera can usually be found in large fast-moving rivers with a soft bottom. The species can also be found in streams as well as oxbow lakes.
The carapace of this turtle is dark in coloration with orangish/yellowish spots on the scutes.
4. Alabama Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys pulchra
- Length: 4 to 11.5 inches (11 to 29 cm)
- Mass: 0.45 to 4.3 lb ( 203 to 1940 grams)
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
As you may have guessed, this chelonian is endemic to Alabama. The species can be found from southern Alabama to northern Georgia.
G. pulchra is a semi-aquatic reptile that can be found in shallow water bodies with fast-moving water. The chelonian prefers waters with fast currents. They are normally found in streams and rivers.
Females are generally much larger than males are. Adult females can reach lengths of 29 cm, while males can reach lengths of 13 cm.
Similarly, the mass of an adult male can be as much as 208 grams while the mass of adult females can be as much as 1940 grams.
5. Escambia Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys ernsti
- Length: 5 to 11 inches (13 to 28 cm)
- Lifespan: 15 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
This species has a very limited geographic range. Graptemys ernsti is limited to the rivers that drain into Escambia Bay.
Graptemys ernsti is an aquatic species that can be found in rivers and streams with strong currents and sandy or gravelly bottoms.
G. ernsti can be said to be a moderately sized freshwater turtle. Females are generally twice as large as males. Adult females have an average carapace length of 11 inches, while adult males have an average carapace length of 5 inches.
6. Yellow Blotched Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys flavimaculata
- Mass: 43 oz (1.2 kg)
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
G. flavimaculata is limited to the Pascagoula River system found in Mississippi. This includes the three tributary rivers. The species can be found in rivers, streams, ponds, and lakes.
The species is a small to moderately sized freshwater turtle. As with other map turtles, adult males are generally smaller than adult females. Males reach carapace lengths of 3.5 to 4.5 inches, while females reach carapace lengths of 5 to 7.5 inches.
The species have olive to brown carapaces with orange spots. They also have yellowish stripes on their limbs, neck, and head.
G. flavimaculata has the highest central keel of all species of family Graptemys.
7. Cagle’s Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys caglei
- Length: 4 to 8.5 inches (10 to 22 cm)
- Mass: 43 oz (1.2 kg)
- Lifespan: 20+ years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
Graptemys caglei is endemic to the San Antonio and Guadalupe Rivers in Texas.
Most of the entire wild population can be found along a 27-km midsection of the Guadalupe River. The species can be found in rivers and streams with fast currents and pools with slow-moving water.
Graptemys caglei is a moderately sized turtle. Adult males reach lengths of 10 to 12 cm while adult females reach lengths of 22 cm. As you can see, males are generally much smaller than females are.
The carapace of this map turtle is yellow to brown with black markings. The limbs, neck, head, and tail of this turtle are dark in coloration.
8. Barbour’s Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys barbouri
- Length: — to 13 inches (9 to 33 cm)
- Lifespan: 31 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
G. barbouri is endemic to the southeast specifically to the Chipola and Apalachicola river systems in the states of Florida, Georgia, and Alabama.
G. barbouri is a species that lives in riparian areas. They can be found in large rivers and streams with fast-moving currents.
G. barbouri has an olive to green carapace with a yellow plastron. The carapace features scutes with c-shaped markings.
Females are generally much larger than males with carapace lengths of 15 to 33 cm. Males on the other hand have carapace lengths of 9 to 14 cm.
9. Black-knobbed Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys nigrinoda
- Length: 3 to 7 inches ( 7.5 to 18 cm)
- Lifespan: 20 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
G. nigrinoda can be found in northeastern Alabama, and western to central Mississippi. They are found on the Cahaba, Coosa, Tallapoosa, and Tombigbee-Black Warrior Rivers.
G. nigrinoda is an aquatic turtle that can be found in rivers and streams with fast-moving waters. G. nigrinoda is named after the black circular knobs that protrude from the shell.
Females can reach lengths of 22 cm although on average, they reach a length of 15 to 18 cm. Males can reach a length of 12 cm although on average, they reach lengths of 8 to 10 cm.
10. Pearl River Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys pearlensis
- Length: 5 to 12 inches ( 12 to 30 cm)
- Mass: 12 to 111 oz ( 340 to 3150 g)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
G. pearlensis was once considered to be part of the species Graptemys gibbonsi. They have since been defined as a separate species.
The species can be found in the Bogue Chitto and Pearl Rivers in Mississippi and Louisiana. The species are endemic to rivers, creeks, and streams.
Females of the species can reach a carapace length of 30 cm, while males can reach a carapace length of 12 cm. The species is estimated to reach reproductive maturity at the age of 15 to 20 years.
11. Pascagoula Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys gibbonsi
- Length: 5 to 12 inches (12 to 30 cm)
- Mass: 12 to 111 oz ( 340 to 3150 g)
- Lifespan: 50 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The species shares the same geographic range as the Pearl River map turtle.
As such the species can be found in the Bogue Chitto and Pearl Rivers in Mississippi and Louisiana. The species are endemic to rivers, creeks, and streams.
The size of the species is similar to that of the Pearl River map turtle. The carapace of this turtle is greenish to olive-brown.
The carapace is high-domed with black stripes on the median keel of the carapace. The plastron is yellow in color.
12. Ouachita Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys ouachitensis
- Length: 5 to 10 inches (12 to 25 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
G. ouachitensis is commonly bred and sold as pets. They are easy to care for and can cohabitate with other aquatic reptiles.
There are two subspecies of G. ouachitensis and these are G. o. sabinensis (which is recognized as a separate species by many biologists) and G. o. ouachitensis.
The species can be found in the southern United States in the states of Kentucky, Tennessee, Illinois, West Virginia, Ohio, Indiana, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Arkansas, Kansas, Oklahoma, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas.
The species has a dark carapace with yellow markings. The carapace has a row of vertebral spines similar to that found in other map turtles.
Males can reach lengths of 12 cm, while females reach lengths of 25 cm. As expected, the females are much larger than the males.
13. Texas Map Turtle
- Scientific Name: Graptemys versa
- Length: 2.5 to 8 inches (6 to 20 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
As you can imagine, the Texas map turtle is endemic to Texas. This species can be found in central texas specifically the colorado river drainage area.
Graptemys versa can be found in streams and rivers with moderate currents.
Adult females reach lengths of 5 to 8 inches, while adult males reach lengths of just 2.5 to 4 inches. These turtles are the smallest map turtles.
The carapace of this species is olive in coloration with orangish markings on the scutes. The plastron of the chelonian is cream in coloration.
Cooters (Pseudemys)
14. Peninsular Cooter
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys peninsularis
- Length: 9 to 13 inches (23 to 33 cm)
- Mass: 5 to 15 lb (2 to 7 kg)
- Lifespan: 30 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The peninsula cooter is sometimes considered a subspecies of the coastal plain cooter which in itself is considered a subspecies of the river cooter.
The species is known as the peninsula cooter because of its geographic range. This species can be found on the Florida peninsula.
The peninsula cooter resembles the coastal plain cooter although they can be distinguished by their head markings. The peninsula cooter has a carapace that can reach a length of 9 to 13 inches.
The average mass of the cooter is 5 to 15 lbs. However, the species is capable of growing beyond 16 inches in carapace length and a mass of 35 pounds.
15. Florida Red-bellied Cooter
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys nelsoni
- Length: 8 to 15 inches (20 to 37.5 cm)
- Mass: 43.5 oz (1.2 kg)
- Lifespan: 33 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The Florida red-bellied cooter is endemic to the freshwater lakes of Florida and the far southwest of Georgia. These cooters have been introduced to the British Virgin Islands and Central Texas.
The Florida red-bellied cooter can be found within the same geographic range as the peninsula cooter. These two cooters look very similar, however, the Florida red-bellied cooter has a red plastron which gives the cooter its common name.
The Florida red-bellied cooter also has two cusps on the upper beak. The Florida red-bellied cooter is commonly kept as a pet.
16. Alabama Red-bellied Cooter
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys alabamensis
- Length: 12 to 14 inches (30 to 36 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The Pseudemys alabamensis can be found in Alabama. This cooter is the official reptile of Alabama. The species can be found in the brackish waters of the Mobile-Tensaw River Delta. These cooters are generally found in water that is 1 to 2 meters deep.
The species is named after the state they are endemic to as well as their red plastron.
Females are generally larger than males with females reaching an average carapace length of 14 inches, while males reach an average carapace length of 12 inches.
The species is endangered and is protected in the state of Alabama.
17. Rio Grande Cooter
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys gorzugi
- Spanish Name: Jicotea
- Length: 14.5 inches (37 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
The species can be found in the Rio Grande Basin, which gives the cooter its name. This Basin stretches from Coahuila, Tamaulipas, and Nuevo Leon in Mexico to New Mexico and Texas in the United States.
The species can only be found in rivers in Pecos and the Rio Grande.
The Rio Grande cooter is thought to be omnivorous although an examination of the gut contents was entirely plant-based.
The species can reach an average carapace length of 37.2 cm.
18. Texas Cooter
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys texana
- Length: 8.5 to 13 inches (22 to 33 cm)
- Lifespan: 44 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The texas cooter is endemic to texas specifically the San Antonio, Guadalupe, Colorado, and Brazos driver systems of central texas.
The species is usually found in rivers and other pools of water. The species feed mostly on vegetation. It does feed on aquatic invertebrates although these make a tiny percentage of their food.
Females are slightly larger than males. Females reach carapace lengths of 22 cm while females reach carapace lengths of 33 cm.
The Texas cooter has a brown carapace which is quite flat.
20. River Cooter
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys concinna
- Length: 8.5 to 11.5 inches (22 to 29 cm)
- Lifespan: 40 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The river cooter is also known as the eastern river cooter as it is endemic to eastern Texas. They can also be found in Georgia, Virginia, Indiana, and Oklahoma.
They prefer water bodies with moderate currents, marshes, and lakes. There are three subspecies of the river cooter.
These are the eastern river cooter (Pseudemys concinna concinna) which is the nominate subspecies, the coastal plain cooter (Pseudemys concinna floridana) also known as the Florida cooter and found in Florida, and the Suwannee cooter (Pseudemys concinna suwanniensis) which is also sometimes considered as a separate species.
The average carapace length of adult males is 22 cm, while the average carapace length of adult females is 29 cm.
21. Northern Redbelly Turtle
- Scientific Name: Pseudemys rubriventris
- Maximum Length: 16 inches (40 cm)
- Mass: 137 oz (4 kg)
- Lifespan: 40 to 55 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
The northern redbelly can is also known as the eastern redbelly. This cooter can be found in the northeast of the United States.
Wild populations can be found from North Carolina to New Jersey. Disjunctive populations can be found in Massachusetts and New york.
As with other cooters, the northern redbelly is primarily herbivorous and mainly eats algae. It is also known to feed on small amphibians, fish, insects, snails, and crayfish.
The species has a black carapace with red lines that runs ventrally. The plastron of male redbelly turtles is pink while the plastron of females is bright red.
The species have a lifespan of 40 to 55 years.
Sliders (Trachemys)
22. Pond Slider Turtle
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
Pond sliders are medium-sized aquatic turtles found in North America and Mexico. There are three popular subspecies and these are the red-eared slider (the most recognizable subspecies), Cumberland slider, and the yellow-bellied slider.
The carapace of pond sliders is oval with a sharp edge. The surface of the carapace is also rough with indentations. The plastron is smooth and flat.
The species are also a popular invasive species and can be found in the wild across the world.
23. Red-Eared Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta elegans
- Length: 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm)
The red-eared slider is the most popular of the red-eared sliders. This slider is commonly kept as a pet all around the world.
In places where they have been released into the wild, they have become invasive species. Some of these places include Australia, India, and across Europe.
The red-eared slider can be identified by the red patch on and around both ears.
24. Cumberland Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta troostii
- Length: 7 to 10 inches (17 to 25 cm)
The Cumberland Slider is endemic to the drainage zones of the Mississippi River and the Tennesse River as well as the southeast of the United States.
The carapace of this turtle is greenish/olive with yellow stripes.
25. Yellow-Bellied Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys scripta scripta
- Length: 5 to 9 inches ( 13 to 23 cm)
The yellow-bellied slider is so-called because of its yellowish plastron. This makes it easy to identify.
The yellow-bellied slider is endemic to southeastern North America specifically southeastern Virginia to Florida in the United States.
The upper shell of this slider is brown with a yellow marking. The skin is olive green with yellow marks as well. The turtle also has green spots on the plastron.
26. Hispaniolan Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys decorata
- Other Names: Haitian Slider
- Length: up to 8.6 inches (22 cm)
- Mass: 8 lb (3.6 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The Hispaniolan slider is also known as the Haitian slider. This turtle is endemic to Hispanola which includes the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
The species can be found in and near freshwater bodies where they feed on fish, insects, and vegetation.
The carapace of the Hispaniolan slider is brown and the plastron is yellow. There are dark and light stripes on the neck, limbs, and tail.
The Hispaniolan slider lacks any red spots/marks on the ears.
27. Puerto Rican Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys stejnegeri
- Length: 4 to 11 inches (10 to 29 cm)
- Mass: 4 lb (2 kg)
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
This slider is also referred to as the Central Antillean slider. There are three subspecies of the Central Antillean slider and these are the Puerto Rican slider (T. s. stejnegeri), the Inagua slider (T. s. malonei), and the Dominican slider (T. s. vicina).
The carapace of the species is greenish-yellow, brown, black, or gray. Yellow lines are noticeable on the carapace. The plastron is usually yellowish with dark streaks.
The Puerto Rican slider can be found in Puerto Rico and its surrounding regions. The Inagua slider can be found on Great Inagua where it gets its common name.
Great Inagua is an island in the Bahamas. The Dominican slider can be found in the Dominican Republic and Haiti.
28. Ornate Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys ornata
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The ornate slider is named after its decorate ornate shell as well as the ornate patterns present on the plastron.
This slider is endemic to mexico specifically Michoacán, Sinaloa, Nayarit, Jalisco, and Guerrero.
The ornate slider is classified as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
29. Yaqui Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys yaquia
- Length: 11 to 12 inches (27 to 31 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The Yaqui slider is a slider that is endemic to the northwest of Mexico particularly Rio Mayo, Rio Yaquia (where it gets its common name from), Rio Sonora (basins of Sonora), and Chihuahua.
The species can be found in both temporary and permanent water bodies including backwaters, and rivers.
The species is relatively large with males growing to lengths of 27 cm and females growing to lengths of 31 cm. The main threat to the species includes the ever-expanding intensive agriculture within its natural habitat.
The construction of dams, on rivers inhabited by the species also negatively affects the wild populations. Areas below the dam become dry for extended periods.
Additionally, while the reservoirs created by the dam are habitable, the fluctuating water levels inhibit breeding.
The species is protected under Mexican wildlife and natural resource legislation. The species is listed as Vulnerable on the IUCN Red List.
30. Maranhão Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys adiutrix
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The Maranhão slider is also known as the Carvalho’s Slider or the Brazilian slider. The species is endemic to Maranhao and Piauiin Brazil. Its geographic range gives the turtle its common name.
The species is known to inhabit freshwater ecosystems and is found in the neotropics. The Maranhão slider is omnivorous.
The Maranhão slider is considered Endangered according to IUCN Red List.
31. Cat Island Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys terrapen
- Length: 8 to 11 inches (20 to 27 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The Cat Island slider is also known as the Jamaican slider or the Cat Island freshwater turtle. This turtle is endemic to Jamaica and the Bahamas.
The species is moderately sized with males averaging a carapace length of 20 cm or 8 inches, and with females averaging a carapace length of 27 cm or 11 inches.
The carapace of this turtle is olive to dark brown with markings. These markings are more visible in juveniles but fade as the turtle grows.
The Cat Island slider is an omnivore like other slider turtles. It feels on fish, frogs, vegetation, carrion, and aquatic algae.
32. Cuatro Ciénegas Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys taylori
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The Cuatro Ciénegas slider was once considered a subspecies of the pond slider. This slider is endemic to isolated ponds within the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin in Coahuila and the Rio Nadadores. Both places are in Mexico.
The species can be found in the marshy areas of the Cuatro Ciénegas Basin. These marshy areas contain ponds with crystal clear water within which the turtle lives. The turtle can be found in only the clear deep pools and the river with the basin.
The endangered Cuatro Ciénegas slider faces several threats. These include industrial and recreational constructions such as roads, pipelines, and railroads, the hybridization of Trachemys taylori with the T. scripta elegans, and the degradation of the Cuatro Cienegas Basin.
The species is protected under Mexican wildlife and natural resource legislation.
33. Big Bend Slider
- Scientific Name: Trachemys gaigeae
- Length: 5 to 11 inches (13 to 28 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The Big Bend slider is also known as the Mexican Plateau Slider was once considered a subspecies of the pond slider.
The Trachemys gaigeae gaigeae, which is a subspecies, is endemic to the Upper Rio Grande, the Rio Conchos basin which is found in New Mexico and Texas, and Coahuila and Chihuahua in Mexico.
Trachemys gaigeae hartwegi is endemic to Coahuila and the Rio Nazas basin of Durango.
Males reach a carapace length of 17 cm and females reach a carapace length of 22 cm
Box Turtles
34. Common Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina
- Lifespan: 40 to 100 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
There are six Terrapene carolina subspecies. These are the T. c. carolina, T. c. major, T. c. bauri, T. c. triunguis, T. c. mexicana, and T. c. yucatana.
35. Eastern Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina carolina
- Length: 4.5 to 7 inches (11 to 18 cm)
The eastern box turtle is also called the land turtle and is the nominotypical subspecies of the common box turtle. This chelonian is called the eastern box turtle as it is endemic to the eastern part of the united states from Maine to Florida and the eastern parts of Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Illinois, and Michigan.
T. c. carolina is highly domed with a hinged plastron which the chelonian can close completely. The carapace is black or brown with orangish or yellowish patterns (blotches, spots, or lines). The plastron is dark in coloration.
T. c. carolina has 5 toes on its front legs and 4 toes on its hind legs.
36. Florida Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina bauri
- Length: 5 to 7 inches (13 to 16 cm)
T. c. bauri can be found mainly in Florida, hence its common name.
It can also be found in the extreme southeastern part of Georgia. Its main geographic range includes mainland Florida, the Florida keys, and the barrier islands off the western coast.
The shell shape of this chelonian is similar to all the other box turtles. The distinctive characteristic is the distinct yellow patterns on the carapace. This makes the turtle easily identifiable.
T. c. bauri is observed in areas of high humidity with humidity levels between 70 and 90 percent. These areas include swamps, marshlands, and wetlands.
Temperatures within its habitat must also be high, between 70 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit with basking temperatures of 85 to 95 degrees Fahrenheit.
37. Gulf Coast Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina major
- Length: 8 inches (20 cm)
The Gulf Coast box turtle is the largest of the species – Terrapene carolina. This chelonian has a length of 8 inches. It has dark black or brown carapace with yellow spots.
This turtle can be found along the Gulf of Mexico from Florida to Louisiana. Their geographic range gives the subspecies its common name.
Similar to the Florida box turtle, this turtle is found in areas with high humidity. These include swamps, estuaries, and other shallow permanent waterbodies.
This Gulf Coast box turtle often intergrades with other subspecies of Terrapene carolina.
38. Three-Toed Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina triunguis
- Length: 5 to 7 inches (13 to 18 cm)
The three-toed box turtle is named after the number of toes on its hind feet which is three. Some specimens may have four toes tough. However, these may be T. c. carolina x T. c. triunguis hybrids.
The species usually lack markings and patterns in the carapace and limbs. These turtles are usually uniformly colored – either tan or olive green.
There may be faint marking on the center of the scutes. Also, males have red, yellow, or orange spots on their throats and heads.
The species can be found from Florida to Texas from east to west, and from Missouri and Kansas to Louisiana, from north to south.
39. Mexican Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina mexicana or Terrapene mexicana
- Length: 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm)
The Mexican box turtle is sometimes considered to be a species in the family Emydidae. Other times, it is considered to be a subspecies of T. carolina.
This chelonian has a wide variety of patterns and coloration. Adult males have orange or red nuances on their front legs and gray-blue nuances on their heads.
The species can be found in Mexico, specifically the states of San Luis Potosí, Veracruz, and Tamaulipas.
40. Yucatán Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene carolina yucatana
The Yucatán box turtle is sometimes considered to be a species. It is considered to be a subspecies of T. carolina. The IUCN views this chelonian as a subspecies of T. carolina.
The species is endemic to Yucatán. Its geographic range gives it its common name. Yucatán can be found in Mexico.
This turtle has a light-colored carapace which is olive green. The head of the species is also olive green, so are the limbs. The carapace shows star-shaped markings.
41. Spotted Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene nelsoni
- Other Names: Sierra Box Turtle
- Length: 5.5 to 6 inches (14 to 15 cm)
- Lifespan: 25 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Data Deficient
Terrapene nelsoni is endemic to Sierra Madre Occidental moutain range. The species can be found in Nayarit, Sinaloa, Sonora, Jalisco, and Chihuahua.
There are two subspecies of the spotted box turtle. These are T. n. klauberi and T. n. nelsoni. T. n. klauberi can be found in the northern part of the chelonian’s geographic range, while T. n. nelsoni can be found in the southern part of the chelonian’s geographic range.
While the lifespan of the species is unknown, the longest living specimen found at the
Arizona Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson, Arizona was at least 27 years as of 2011.
42. Ornate Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene ornata
- Length: 4 to 6 inches (9.5 to 15 cm)
- Mass: 7 to 19 oz (198 to 538 g)
- Lifespan: 28 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
The ornate box turtle is also known as the western box turtle and is one of two box turtle species found in the United States. There are two subspecies of Terrapene ornata. These are T. o. ornata and T. o. luteola.
The carapace of Terrapene ornata isn’t as domed as other box turtles. You can say the ornate box turtle has a flattened shell.
The carapace is dark in coloration with yellow stripings. The carapace of T. o. luteola has more yellow stripes than T. o. ornata.
The species can be found in the arid areas of their geographic range. The geographic range of Terrapene ornata includes Louisiana and Texas to western Indiana, New Mexico, Arizona, and the northern part of Mexico.
43. Coahuilan Box Turtle
- Scientific Name: Terrapene coahuila
- Other Names: Aquatic Box Turtle
- Length: 6 inches (15 cm)
- Mass: 20 oz (570 g)
- Lifespan: 19 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
T. coahuila is the only box turtle known to spend long periods in water as such it is also known as the aquatic box turtle. T. coahuila is endemic to Cuatro Ciénegas, a city found in Coahuila, Mexico.
T. coahuila has a hinged plastron which the turtle can close completely when threatened. The skin is rough and bumpy and grey, black, or brown in coloration with dark small spots.
The shell of this turtle is usually covered in algae. The carapace itself is yellowish.
Males of the species have brown eyes, bigger shells, and longer tails; while females have grey eyes, smaller shells, and shorter tails.
T. coahuila is considered endangered although it is a popular pet in the United States. It is essential to only acquire captive-bred specimens if you wish to keep this chelonian as a pet.
Glyptemys
44. North American Wood Turtle
- Scientific Name: Glyptemys insculpta
- Length: 7 to 8 inches (18 to 20 cm)
- Mass: 3 lb ( 1.4 kg)
- Lifespan: 40 to 58 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The wood turtle is a semi-aquatic turtle endemic to North America.
This chelonian can be found in northeastern America and extends to eastern Canada. The wood turtle is named after its carapace which resembles carved wood.
The turtle can reach a length of 10 inches although the average length of the species is 7 to 8 inches. The mass of adults is 3 lb or about 1.4 kg.
45. Bog Turtle
- Scientific Name: Glyptemys muhlenbergii
- Length: 3 to 4.5 inches (8 to 11 cm)
- Lifespan: 40 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Critically Endangered
The bog turtle is a critically endangered species found in the eastern United States. They are two general populations.
The first wild population can be found from western Massachusetts and Eastern New York to Southeastern Pennsylvania. The second wild population can be found from Maryland and Delaware to new jersey.
G. muhlenbergii is semiaquatic and can be found in shallow and ephemeral wetlands such as bogs, swamps, and marshes.
G. muhlenbergii is the smallest emydid – the smallest chelonian of Family Emydidae.
G. muhlenbergii has a black to dark brown carapace. The turtle also has yellow spots on the neck, limbs, and head.
Emys
45. Sicilian Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Emys trinacris
- Length: 6 inches ( 15 cm)
- IUCN Red List Status: Data Deficient
This turtle is similar to the European pond turtle but is endemic to Sicily where it gets its common name from. The species is small in size when compared to other turtles within the Family Emydidae.
The maximum carapace length of the species is 6 inches. The carapace of this turtle is dark with no markings.
The Sicilian pond turtle is generally found in swamps, rivers, lakes, and ponds.
46. European Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Emys orbicularis
- Length: 4.5 to 15 inches (12 to 38 cm)
- Lifespan: 28 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Near Threatened
This is a turtle that can be found in central and south Europe as well as north Africa from Tunisia to Morocco. They can also be found in central Asia (no farther than the Aral Sea) and the Middle East.
The European pond turtle can be found in slow-moving water bodies including slow-moving rivers, streams, lakes, and ponds. The Emys orbicularis is semiaquatic and spends considerable time on land.
There is extensive variation in the coloration of the species. However, most specimens have a dark carapace with light speckling.
The Emys orbicularis is a carnivorous chelonian that feed on fish, frogs, insects, worms, and other small aquatic animals. The species accept fruits and vegetables.
Genus Emydoidea
47. Blanding’s Turtle
- Scientific Name: Emydoidea blandingii
- Length: 6 to 9 inches (15 to 23 cm)
- Mass: 26 to 49 oz ( 737 to 1389 g)
- Lifespan: years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
This chelonian is usually found in Canada from Ontario in the west all the way to Nova Scotia as well as the northern United States. The species can also be found within the great lakes in the united states.
The species is semi-aquatic and is usually found in slow-moving shallow water. It can be found in temporary pools, lakes, ponds, streams, and rivers. The species is also found in bogs, swamps, and marshes.
Emydoidea blandingii has a dark carapace with yellow spots. The underside of the turtle’s chin is yellow.
Adults weigh from 26 to 49 oz and attain a carapace length of 6 to 9 inches.
Genus Actinemys
48. Western Pond Turtle
- Scientific Name: Emys marmorata or Actinemys orbicularis
- Length: 4 to 8 inches (11 to 21 cm)
- Mass: 22 to 34 oz ( 624 to 935 grams)
- Lifespan: 40 to 80 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
This turtle is also known as the pacific pond turtle or the pacific mud turtle. The binomial name of the species is mixed as both the genus Emys and Actinemys have been used for the turtle.
Like most turtles within the genus Emys, the turtle is semi-aquatic and spends considerable time within both terrestrial and aquatic habitats. The chelonian can be found in brackish waters, estuaries, ditches, reservoirs, creeks, pools, wetlands, streams, rivers, and even lakes.
The turtle s moderately sized and can be found from Baja California in Mexico to British Colombia in Canada.
Genus Chrysemys
49. Painted Turtle
- Scientific Name: Chrysemys picta
- Length: 3.5 to 10 inches ( 9 to 25 cm)
- Mass: 13 oz (372 grams)
- Lifespan: 30 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Least Concern
The painted turtle is considered one of the most common turtles in North America.
The turtle is believed to be the most widespread turtle in North America. This chelonian can be found from Mexico to Canada.
The species is generally found in freshwaters with soft bottoms, an abundance of aquatic vegetations, and soft bottoms.
There are four subspecies of C. picta. These include the eastern (C. p. picta), midland (C. p. marginata), southern (C. p. dorsalis), western (C. p. bellii). These subspecies are named after their geographic range in relation to the other subspecies.
C. picta is considered to be of Least Concern on the IUCN Red List and is commonly kept as pets in North America.
Genus Malaclemys
50. Diamondback Terrapin
- Scientific Name: Malaclemys terrapin
- Length: 5 to 9 inches (13 to 23 cm)
- Mass: 25 oz (720 grams)
- IUCN Red List Status: Vulnerable
The diamondback terrapin can be found on the eastern coast of the united states from Cape Cod all the way to Florida. The species can also be found in large numbers along the gulf coast from Florida to Texas.
The species can generally be found in brackish waters such as coastlines, estuaries, marshes, lagoons, and brackish channels.
The carapace of this terrapin is black in coloration. The skin is gray with black spots. The average weight of the species is 25 oz.
The terrapin is the official state reptile of Maryland.
Genus Clemmys
51. Spotted Turtle
- Scientific Name: Clemmys guttata
- Length: 3 to 5 inches (8 to 12 cm)
- Lifespan: 26 years
- IUCN Red List Status: Endangered
The spotted turtle is named after the yellow sports on its carapace tail and head. This small turtle can reach a carapace length of 3 to 5 inches. The carapace is flat, broad, and smooth. It is dark in coloration.
The species’ geographic range is divided into two discontinuous ranges along eastern North America. The first population can be found along the east coast from Maine all the way to Georgia and Florida.
The other population can be found inwards around the Great Lakes. The spotted turtle can be found in shallow waters.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do emydids make a good pet?
Most emydids make excellent pets. These reptiles are easy to care for and find. However, you have to be sure about the legality of owning an emydid.
Some of the easiest emydids to care for include the Florida box turtle, the common box turtle, the false map turtle, the painted turtle, the red-eared slider, and the Florida red-bellied cooter.
Apart from the aquatic box turtle, all other box turtles are terrestrial. These make them arguably easier to keep as they do not require an aquatic setup. Because they are readily bred and hardy, box turtles are popular pets.
However, you have to be careful when releasing an emydid into the wild. These chelonians can easily become invasive species. Pond sliders are invasive species across the world, especially in Europe and Asia.
The pond slider well-known for being an invasive chelonian is the red-eared slider. This turtle is listed as one of the top 100 most invasive species according to the IUCN,.
Is it legal to own emydids as pets?
This depends on the species. Many emydids such as sliders, map turtles, cooters, and box turtles can be kept as pets in most states in the United States.
However, this status changes from one state to another. Also, endangered species such as Maranhão sliders and bog turtles cannot be kept as pets.
Also, it is advisable to only acquire captive-bred specimens as wild-caught turtles are usually illegal to own. Many emydids are captive bred. Some popular species that are commonly captive bred include the common box turtle, the common map turtle, the false map turtle, and the painted turtle.
What other families is Emydidae closely related to?
Emydidade is closely related to Geoemydidae with several species that used to be part of the family Emydidae being moved to Geoemydidae including several Asian turtles such as roofed turtles and Asian box turtles.
Asian box turtles include turtles found within the genus Cuora and include the Chinese box turtle, Burmese box turtle, and Malayan box turtle. Many of these chelonians are kept as pets.
Some roofed turtles include the Burmese roofed turtle, red-crowned roofed turtle, three-striped roofed turtle, and the Assam roofed turtle.
Which emydids are endangered?
With a Family as large as Emydidae, it is no surprise that several species are endangered.
When acquiring a turtle it is always essential that the species you acquire isn’t endangered. This is because most endangered species are illegal to own.
Cagle’s map turtle (Graptemys caglei) is an endangered species endemic to the San Antonio and Guadalupe Rivers in Texas. The Pearl River map turtle and the Pascagoula map turtle are two more endangered map turtles. These chelonians are endemic to the pearl and Bogue Chitto rivers.
The Alabama red-bellied cooter is currently the only endangered cooter. The Maranhão slider and Cuatro Ciénegas slider are two endangered sliders.
The aquatic box turtle or the coahuilan box turtle is considered endangered. Although considered endangered, the aquatic turtle is commonly kept as a pet.
It is essential to keep only captive-bred aquatic box turtles as pets. Other endangered emydids are the North American wood turtle, bog turtle, Blanding’s turtle, and the spotted turtle.
Conclusion
Emydidae is the largest family within the order Testudines (turtles).
There are over 45 species in about 10 genera. Members of this family include box turtles, sliders, cooters, map turtles, and many more. Emydids are also commonly referred to as terrapins or sliders.
The family contains aquatic turtles, semi-aquatic turtles, and even terrestrial turtles.
Most of the species within this family can be found in North America, although species can be found in Asia, Europe, Central America, South America, and North Africa from Tunisia to Morocco.
Many emydids are commonly kept as pets. These include the aquatic map turtles to even terrestrial box turtles. Turtles within this family are known to be easy to care for and keep.