Blanding’s Turtle

More Information

Physical Description

Blanding’s turtles are medium-sized turtles with smooth black or gray shells that can reach 11 inches in length. Some shells have white or yellow dots. These turtles have a rounded head and a yellow throat. Blanding’s turtles prey on crustaceans, insects, frogs, and fish. They use their long necks and jaws to capture prey. After breeding, females bury their eggs in drained soil away from the water.

Interesting Fact 1

During winter, Blanding’s turtles burrow beneath the ground and enter a state of lower metabolic activity until spring.

Interesting Fact 2

Special shell hinges give them extra protection against predators.

Interesting Fact 3

The sex of hatchlings is dependent on temperature. Eggs that incubate at temperatures below 77 degrees are nearly all male while those above 86 degrees are nearly all female.