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The painted turtle (Chrysemys picta) is the most widespread native turtle of North America. It lives in relatively slow-moving fresh waters, from southern Canada to northern Mexico, and from the Atlantic to the Pacific. They have been shown to prefer large wetlands with long periods of inundation and emergent vegetation. [7]
The southern painted turtle ranges from extreme southern Illinois and Missouri, roughly along the Mississippi River Valley, to the south. In Arkansas, it branches out to the west towards Texas, where it is found in the far northeast part of that state (Caddo Lake region) [13] as well as extreme southeastern Oklahoma (McCurtain County). [14]
The painted wood turtle feeds on fruit, insects, and worms. Their diet should consist of 60% leafy greens, 30% protein, and 20% fruits and vegetables. Along with a varied diet, they require additional calcium to insure healthy shell growth. Unlike aquatic turtles, the painted wood turtle doesn't require water in order to swallow its food.
The iconic painted turtle is popular in British Columbia and the province is further motivated to stop the loss of the painted turtle because it has already lost all populations of its other native turtle species, the western pond turtle. However, despite conservation efforts, only a few thousand turtles remain in the entire province. [8] [9] [10]
Many US state fish and game departments allow recreational taking of painted turtles with differing restrictions. Alabama allows a creel limit of ten, of each of the three subspecies (southern, midland, and eastern) found there, for personal use, [13] but also has a special license for commercial turtle catchers, dealers and farmers. [14]
The painted terrapin is critically endangered species according to IUCN, listed in The World's Most 25 Endangered Freshwater Turtles and Tortoises 2011. [5] It is listed in Appendix II, with a zero quota for commercial trade of wild-captured specimens according to the CITES meeting in Thailand, March 2013.
Painted turtle: southern Canada to northern Mexico Fossil record. Several fossil species have been described, dating back to the Miocene. Fossil species.
In 2004, Illinois held a popular vote to pick the painted turtle, but legislation was still required in 2005 to make the choice official. [20] Schoolchildren often start the campaigns for state reptiles. [59] Three of the four states choosing the painted turtle credit school classes with initiating the process.