Species Reptiles & AmphibiansPainted Turtle

Painted Turtle

Chrysemys picta

CommonReptile & Amphibian
Illustration of Painted Turtle (Chrysemys picta)

The Painted Turtle is the most widespread native turtle in North America. Its olive shell is bordered with red and yellow, and its skin is striped red and yellow. It basks extensively on logs in groups.

Habitat
Ponds, lakes, slow streams, and marshes with abundant vegetation
Diet
Aquatic plants, algae, insects, and small invertebrates
How common
Common

Best time to see a Painted Turtle

The best time to see a Painted Turtle is April–June, when about 62% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 110,799 research-grade iNaturalist observations.

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Recent Painted Turtle sightings near you

Live, research-grade observations from iNaturalist. Allow location to center the map on you.

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